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Alternative care facilities opening in IL to supplement beds for COVID-19 patients

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker gives his daily update on the state's fight against COVID-19.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker gives his daily update on the state's fight against COVID-19.

Here are the key points from the address:

  • Thursday brings an additional 715 cases, making for a total of 7,695 cases.  An additional 16 deaths have been reported, making for a total of 157 across Illinois. 
  • About 85% of deaths related to COVID-19 are among the population of people ages 60 and up.  The virus, however, impacts all age groups. 
  • A couple in their 70s who were among the first to contract the virus in Illinois have recovered and are doing well.
  • Health officials are starting to see the virus spread in clusters at business locations.
  • Three locations have been made into alternative care facilities: The McCormick Center in Chicago, the former Advocate Shermin Hospital in Elgin, and the MetroSouth Health Center in Blue Island.  Together these locations provide an extra 3,000 beds.
  • They are adding a fourth alternative care center that will add 230 beds.
  • Plans are underway to open an alternative care facility in central Illinois. 
  • These facilities are here to support the existing medical infrastructure, not replace it. 
  • Governor Pritzker said he believes there was a lack of early action on a national level.
  • He's starting an "All In Illinois" initiative to reinforce his "Stay At Home" order.

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