Infant Dies Of Coronavirus As Illinois Death Toll Rises To 47

ACROSS ILLINOIS — As the number of new coronavirus grows in Illinois, the virus has claimed the life of an infant, which state health officials officials say is unprecedented.

The state had 465 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 and and additional 13 deaths associated with the virus since Friday, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

This brings the statewide total to 3,491 detected cases and 47 deaths as of Saturday afternoon.

"There has never before been a death of COVID-19 associated with an infant," Illinois Department of Health Director Ngozi Ezike said, adding that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

Governor J.B. Pritzker said, "It's especially sorrowful for the family of this small child, for the years stolen from this infant."

He added, "I'm here to tell you maybe the most important thing that I know. That this will pass. We will carry our lost friends and family members with us forever."

McCormick Place To Be Field Hospital

During Saturday's press conference, Pritzker said the state is working on building new facilities and repurporsing other buildings where need is great to accommodate the influx of patients.

"We're planning to use the city's McCormick Place Convention Center as the state's first field hospital," Pritzker said, adding that more details would be available in the coming days.

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"We're not waiting for the worst; we're preparing ourselves for the worst," Pritzker said.

Personal Protective Equipment

Pritzker also expressed gratitude for companies and people who have donated personal protective equipment to help medical staff as shortages sweep the state.

"Each mask, or gown, or set of gloves will make a difference," Pritzker said, encouraging those who would like to donate personal protective equipment to send an email to ppe.donations@illinois.gov.

He added that McDonald's Corporation donated an additional 400,000 N95 masks to the city of Chicago.

New Rules At Grocery Stores

Pritzker says he is working with the Illinois Retail Merchant's Association to establish new, temporary guidelines at grocery stores throughout the state. These include:

• Signage at entrances and throughout stores alerting shoppers to the required six feet of physical distance
• Continual announcements of social distancing on PA
• Floor markers at check out to demarcate physical distancing
• Shield guards in front of cashier and baggers
• Temporary prohibition of reusable bags
• Suggestions to use of curbside and self-checkout options

"It is up to each individual to follow social distancing guidelines," Pritzker said.

"When we get on the other side of this, I think we're going to say that we did everything that we could."