There are 2,219 new cases of COVID-19 and 144 deaths since April 27, Director of the Department of Illinois Public Health Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in the governor’s daily press conference. 

This is the greatest increase of deaths in a 24 hour period in Illinois, Ezike said. 

This brings the total to 48,102 cases and 2,125 deaths, Ezike said.

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Of those deaths, 80 percent were from northern Illinois, 14 percent from southern Illinois and six percent from central Illinois, Ezike said. 

As of April 28, Jackson county has 77 confirmed cases and seven deaths, according to the Jackson County Health Department press release. 

As of April 23, Williamson county has 22 confirmed cases and Franklin county has eight, according to the latest Bi-County Health Department press release.

Illinois has tested 242,189 people and 14,561 since yesterday, Ezike said. 

Gov. JB Pritzker welcomed the Polish Medical Delegation to Illinois to help the fight against the coronavirus. They have experience fighting COVID-19 in Poland, Italy and other countries throughout Europe.

Nine members, including four doctors, three nurses, one emergency medical technician and one logistics coordinator, will bring their experience fighting COVID-19 to Illinois, Pritzker said. 

Pritzker also addressed the court case Rep. Darren Bailey from the 109 District brought against the governor. 

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Bailey filed a case against Pritzker for the extension of the stay-at-home order saying it exceeded his powers as governor. 

The Clay County Circuit Court ruled that only Bailey is not affected by the stay-at-home order, Pritzker said. 

Prtizker said since the risk of the public health is great and the state has worked well within its legal rights, the state is appealing immediately. 

The stay-at-home order is still in effect, Pritzker said. 

“Responsible people understand the trade-offs and consequences of opening too early,” Priztker said.

Staff reporter Jacob Lorenz can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @jtlorenz6. 

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