Another 146 people have died of COVID-19 in Illinois, officials said Tuesday, as medical statistics from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office showed all parts of the state are on track to see more restrictions lifted come May 29.
Illinois had recorded three straight days of fewer than 100 coronavirus deaths each, but the latest figure raised the state’s death toll to 4,379.
There were 1,545 new cases reported, bringing the state’s total to 98,030. The state received 18,443 tests results, with a running positivity rate of about 8.3% as the virus remains in 100 of 102 counties.
With the clock ticking until the end of Pritzker’s extended stay-at-home order May 29, many Illinoisans are itching to see more reopenings. Pritzker was set to discuss hospital metrics attached to the four regions in his reopening plan.
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All regions, including the hard-hit Northeast region that includes Chicago, are set to see some restrictions lift, as the next phase allows for non-essential manufacturing, non-essential businesses, barbershops and salons and retail stores to open with safety guidance. Bars and restaurants would remain closed except for delivery, pickup and drive-thrus.
And some counties are none too happy about that. The Rockford Register Star is reporting that Winnebago County plans to reopen restaurants, bars and churches June 1, despite Pritzker’s plan. Rockford’s mayor and its health department announced the plan on Monday.
And facing lawsuits and the consternation of some business owners in the state, Pritzker on Monday said he didn’t feel it necessary for Illinois lawmakers to strengthen his stay-at-home order or the reopening plan with legislation. Lawmakers return to Springfield on Wednesday to iron out a budget and to try to get more aid to Illinoisans out of work.
“I think that we’re on a good path, we’ve got a Restore Illinois plan, and that puts us on a good path to reopen it,” Pritzker said. “And so I think existing legislation has been good enough. So I’m not seeking anything from the legislature. And to be honest with you, there’s so little time that the legislature is likely to be in session here, I think it’s going to have to be focused on the very basics like a budget.”
