IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike reported 986 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total cases to 6,980, and 42 additional deaths, bringing the total death toll in Illinois to 141.

Speaking on the state's efforts to expand health care access, Gov. Pritzker said he has joined other governors to ask for a reopening of the Affordable Care Act marketplace. He called the White House's statement that they will not reopen it "leadership malpractice" and the president's continued pursuit of a lawsuit to invalidate the ACA "a special insult" to millions of Americans.

Pritzker said if someone recently lost their job it likely means they can get health coverage through the Affordable Care Act because that would count as a qualifying life event. He pointed people to the respective website for more information: Getcovered.illinois.gov

He also renewed calls for medical professionals and former medical professionals at all levels to go to illinoishelps.net to sign up, which he said more than 1,000 health care workers have done.

The governor was asked if he was considering bringing the General Assembly back to session or some kind of virtual session. He responded by saying there are discussions with legislative leaders about how to potentially accomplish what would need to get done in a session, but at the same time, there are 177 lawmakers and the state is telling people to social distance and avoid large groups. He said he recognizes there are things that will need to get done with the General Assembly but implied now is not the time to do it, given public health concerns and recommendations.

Today, the governor highlighted the census and urged everyone to take a few minutes to fill out the form either online on through the mail. “The census is far more than a survey. It will determine how many of your tax dollars we get back.”

Pritzker also announced a new relief fund specifically for the arts in Illinois called the The Arts for Illinois Relief Fund. The website at “artsforillinois.org” will solicit donations, allow artists affected by COVID-19 social distancing to apply for help and highlight performances by Illinois artists.​ It also features “Quarantine Concerts” and other materials and performances that are available to the public.