IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike reported 1,151 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the state's total to 31,508 cases and 59 additional deaths, bringing the state's total death toll to 1,349.

Gov. Pritzker focused comments today on some data points that indicate the state's early and decisive action has likely saved thousands of lives. He outlined hospital bed usage and ventilator capacity statistics, which indicate Illinois continues, for now, to keep pace with the need for ICU beds and ventilators by working to increase the state's capacity to provide them.

"Had we not established these mitigation measures, we would have needed thousands more ventilators beyond what we have," he said. "All the projections indicate that we have saved thousands of lives."

He also spoke about what efforts the state has taken specifically to safeguard seniors, including ramping up testing in both long-term care facilities that are and are currently presumed to have COVID-19 infections within their populations. That has also meant adjusting protocols for workers. Pritzker praised the efforts of frontline care workers, but was blunt about the state's response to any facilities whose directors do not take all safety measures available to them, saying they will be held accountable.

Asked by reporters what standards he would use to make a decision to re-open businesses, the governor asked a question back:

“What would make you feel comfortable going back into your place of work?” Pritzker then went through how we all come into contact with hundreds of people throughout a normal, non-quarantine day and then work alongside others who do the same.

He said “a lot more testing” needs to occur for people and businesses to feel comfortable.

Asked about phasing in the re-opening, the governor said he’d look at things like areas that have excess hospital capacity and noted that a mask requirement for someone who lives downstate on 100 acres is a lot different than someone in an urban setting.

Asked if he has looked at budget cuts for the coming year, the governor said he is looking at proposals and working with lawmakers.