5/22/20 - A Message from Secretary Hou: Governor's Press Conference Recap

Friday, May 22, 2020


Dear colleagues:


Please see the updates from the Governor's COVID-19 press conference yesterday.


COVID-19 Updates from the Governor's 05-21-2020 Press Conference

  • Vote by Mail Program: Governor JB Pritzker reinforced his support for voting access across the state and announced that he supports legislation currently making its way through the General Assembly that will significantly expand vote by mail programs for the November election. This will help to ensure the safety of the public while preserving the constitutional right of voters to directly elect leaders.
  • Restore Illinois "Baseline Provisions": The Governor clarified that all the provisions for reopening the economy through each phase in the Restore Illinois plan, including the expanded allowances announced yesterday, exist as a statewide baseline but that local governments can choose to enforce more restrictive measures. This was in response to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stating yesterday Chicago may not be able allow outdoor dining at restaurants on the first days of Phase 3.
  • Positivity Rate: The statewide 7-day rolling positivity remains at 14%.
  • Hospitalization Numbers: As of yesterday, there were 4,107 people hospitalized in Illinois for COVID-19. Of those, 1,088 were in the ICU, with 609 of them on ventilators.
  • Daily Statewide COVID-19 cases: 2,268 new cases reported in Illinois and 87 additional deaths.


Have a great weekend!


Sincerely,

Grace


Grace B. Hou

Secretary, IDHS