By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker says the current coronavirus rise is threatening the capacity of hospitals.

“If we wait to take action until our hospitals are full, it will be too late,” said the governor at Monday’s coronavirus briefing, “and countless patients – covid patients as well as those with all the other ailments and injuries that bring people to the hospital will die unnecessary deaths, because there are not enough beds, or people to staff them.”

Pritzker, announcing 11,632 new cases and 37 additional deaths, was asked to address the Illinois Federation of Teachers’ call to move schools to online learning until further notice. He said maybe a third of the state’s students are participating in hybrid learning. “It’s not ideal by any means, but we have a covid storm that’s hitting, and I think school districts are doing the best they can.”

As far as the aftermath of the failed graduated tax amendment two weeks ago goes, Pritzker said he wants to focus on “painful” cuts before considering some kind of tax increase.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].