In Tuesday’s update, state health officials reported 1,178 new COVID-19 cases 113,195 with 39 additional deaths 4,923. Illinois totals rose to 113,195 cases including 4,923 deaths. Illinois Director of Public Health Dr. Ngozi Ezike said 3,788 COVID-19 cases are currently hospitalized, the lowest total in six weeks.
A Republican lawmaker from East Dundee says he will circulate a petition among his colleagues to begin the process to attempt to recall Governor JB Pritzker. State Rep. Allen Skillicorn said backlogs and issues at the Illinois Department of Employment Security should be shouldered by the governor. Pritzker responded the crush of more than 1.2 million claims could not be anticipated, adding that Skillicorn in the past approved funding and staffing cuts at IDES.
Governor JB Pritzker said the General Assembly “abdicated its responsibility” by not passing rules on his powers during the pandemic. Pritzker withdrew his emergency order allowing a business disobeying the order to be charged with a misdemeanor, saying he would ask the legislature to formalize rules, which did not occur. Pritzker said lawmakers have demanded to be treated as an equal branch of the government but did not act like one when failing to approve rules to enforce his executive order.
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is asking state residents to show support for those living and working in Illinois’ veterans homes. Calling the initiative “Operation Rising Spirit,” IDVA Director Linda Chapa LaVia encouraged cards, emails, signs outside the homes, video messages and other creative ways to show support. Visitors are restricted from visiting the homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy during the pandemic.
