Gov. Pritzker spoke today on efforts to extend worker's compensation to essential workers and expand capacity of unemployment claims. On the second point, he detailed how IDES has expanded call center capacity, upgraded website infrastructure, and sought outside contractors to increase its ability to process claims. The department is dealing with about five times as many claims as they were during a similar period following the 2008 financial crash. Other methods of increasing manpower have included calling back retirees, in some cases providing them with laptops and duties that allow them to work from home to maintain safe social distancing.

Pritzker said he is also working with outside contractors to develop a system for helping Illinoisans through federal CARES Act regulations for unemployment for gig workers and 1099 workers, calling the regulations "labyrinthine."

On worker's compensation, Pritzker said the Worker's Compensation Commission, at his request, approved emergency rules that will ensure essential workers - including nurses and firefighters - will have an easier time obtaining worker's compensation. Alice Johnson of the Illinois Nurses Association​ said some nurses who have fallen ill have found themselves arguing with employers about the cause of their COVID-19 infection, saying these emergency rules include a reasonable presumption such an infection for a front-line worker is work-related and therefore ensures the worker is qualified for worker's compensation.

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike reported 1,173 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, for a total of 22,025 confirmed cases in Illinois.

She also reported 74 additional deaths, bringing the total death toll in Illinois to 794.

There are confirmed cases in 87 of 102 counties.

Responding to reporter questions, the governor said that adjustments are “likely” to the stay at home order but did not elaborate other than to say his administration faces numerous questions, such as: Do you require everyone to wear a mask when out in public? Do you create public health capacities at businesses the way there are fire code limits?