IL Coronavirus Cases Spike; Gov. Demands More Medical Supplies

CHICAGO, IL —Coronavirus cases spiked again on Sunday with 296 more cases reported, including an infant who has contracted the virus, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker called on President Donald Trump to step up efforts to get much-needed medical equipment to the state's doctors and nurses. The call for action comes as three more people have died from COVID-19 in the state.

In total, 1,049 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Illinois so far, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said during Sunday's press conference.

On Sunday, the Illinois governor also addressed a tweet from Trump, which criticized Pritzker and the "Fake News at CNN."

"[T]his is a time for serious people. Not the carnival barkers that are tweeting from the cheap seats," Pritzker said during Sunday's press conference. "All I can say is, get to work or get out of the way."

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The tweet came hours after an interview Pritzker did with CNN's Jake Tapper. During the interview, Pritzker called out Trump for failing to adequately allocate personal protective equipment, like doctor's masks and gloves, to states. Now, the states, including Illinois, are forced to compete with other states and countries for supplies in what Pritzker said should have been a coordinated effort by the federal government.

"I have doctors and nurses and first responders begging for masks, equipment and more tests," Pritzker said during a Sunday press conference. He added that Trump promised to deliver the medical equipment weeks ago and has "so far done very little."

"So apparently, the only way to get the president of the United States to pay attention is to go on national television and make noise about it. Which I won't stop doing until we get what we need. I said I would fight for this state and I will with every breath that I have and I meant it," Pritzker said.

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With medical supplies in high demand, Pritzker stressed the importance of getting N95 masks and gloves to medical personnel and lauded the businesses and organizations, including the Chicago fire and police departments, that have donated masks. To those who have masks to donate, they can get in touch with the state by sending an e-mail to PPE.donations@il.gov.

"To all of these organizations, you are truly providing life saving equipment for our medical personnel," he said.

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Sunday marked Illinois' first full day under a stay-at-home order that was issued by Pritzker on Friday and took effect at 5 p.m. Saturday. The order means only essentially businesses — from doctor's offices to grocery stores, pharmacies, and even restaurants offering curbside pickup and packaged liquor sales — remain open during the statewide shutdown. Residents can leave their homes to purchase essentials and to do outdoor activities, but are reminded to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet from others.

The statewide stay-at-home order is in effect until at least April 7, and Illinois schools are closed through at least April 8.

During Sunday's press conference, Pritzker reminded Illinois residents to stay positive.

"Hope is all around us and can still be found in every corner of the state. It can be found in the creativity and the empathy of our people," he said.

He also encouraged those who are healthy and able to find ways to give back and volunteer to those in need. Pritzker complimented the creative efforts of individuals and organizations across the state who have already stepped up to do so.

Donating blood, shopping for an elderly neighbor who cannot go to a grocery store, and volunteering to organizations that are helping the homeless are among the options available to help give back. The Serve Illinois website has more information on ways that you can volunteer in your community amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Here's what else is happening with coronavirus in Illinois:

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