There are 461 new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois and eight additional deaths, Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. Which brings Illinois’ total to 5,057 cases and 73 deaths. 

“The number of cases will continue to increase, unfortunately so will the deaths,” Ezike said. 

Governor J.B. Pritzker said during his update on Monday, that he will continue to help protect medical faculty with orders of medical supplies like masks and gloves throughout the state. 

By the end of the week, Illinois will have received shipments of 5.5 million N-95 masks and 5.5 million surgical masks, Prtizker said. 

Prtizker said businesses in Illinois have been supporting the state with 5 million donations of personal protective equipment supplies. 

“It’s our people that really count, their tenacity, their ability to, without seeking fanfare or fame, always rise to meet the challenge of their time,” Pritzker said. “It’s the same spirit that drove 80 member Shawnee Quilters Guild in Carbondale to stitch together homemade masks for area nursing homes and essential workers.” 

One of the deaths reported was an individual from Stateville Correctional Center. There are 12 other men in Stateville who are hospitalized, 77 others who have symptoms and 11 staff members at Stateville have the same symptoms, Ezike said. 

Congregate settings, like Stateville, pose unique challenges because everyone works so closely together with so many people the virus could spread quickly among them, Ezike said. 

The options for isolation can be very limited in a focused setting like these. Ezike said they are considering isolating people in groups. 

“Our focus right now is ensuring these incarcerated individuals receive the appropriate medical care they deserve and need,” Ezike said. 

Ezike said citizens must continue to stay home and wash their hands.

Staff reporter Jacob Lorenz can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @jtlorenz6. To stay up to date with all your southern Illinois news, follow the Daily Egyptian on Facebook and Twitter.

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