* Dr. Ezike began the press conference with an announcement based on this news story…

The only drug given emergency authorization by the Food and Drug Administration to treat patients with the coronavirus has arrived in Illinois, and more than 90% of it will go to patients being treated at hospitals in Cook County.

The 140 cases of remdesivir Illinois received Saturday contain enough vials to treat approximately 700 patients — about five patients per case.

But there’s not enough to go around, in Illinois or elsewhere.

As of Sunday, there are 1,232 patients across Illinois in intensive care units, 709 of whom are on ventilators, with the number of cases continuing to rise.

* And on to the briefing numbers…

Over the past, 24 hours, I do need to report that 54 additional deaths were reported, bringing our total COVID-19 death toll to 3459.

The last 24 hours 1266,new cases have been reported for a total of 79,007 cases here in Illinois. […]

As for hospitalizations across the state, 4319 people in Illinois were reported to be hospitalized with COVID-19, of those 1248 patients were in the ICU and 730 patients were on ventilators. To date, 442,425 tests have been performed, of which 12,441 were reported in the last 24 hours.

* Sun-Times…

The positivity rate statewide as of Monday is 10.17%. In the Northeast region, which includes Cook County and Chicago, the positivity rate is about 22%.

The number of COVID-19 patients entering ICU beds went up by 16, from Saturday to Sunday night, according to Pritzker’s office. The number of ventilators being used by coronavirus patients also increased by 21, and the total number of COVID-19 patients increased by 26 patients.

Pritzker on Monday planned to outline regional data about hospitalization and the virus’ spread. His administration also planned to release an updated model by researchers from Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University Chicago.

The latest projection shows Illinois is in a death peak, which is less like a peak and more like a plateau. The death range is between 50 and 150 deaths a day into early June for both Northwestern and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The University of Chicago, however, has estimated a range of 50 to 300 deaths that could last until July.

The Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern researchers believe deaths could begin decreasing by the end of May into June, although the Northwestern model shows a slower rate of decline. The University of Chicago researchers believe Illinois will remain on a death plateau until July.

* Press release…

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 1,266 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 54 additional deaths.

Boone County: 1 male 60s
Coles County: 1 female 90s
Cook County: 1 female 50s, 3 males 50s, 6 females 60s, 4 males 60s, 5 females 70s, 4 males 70s, 2 unknowns 70s, 8 females 80s, 7 males 80s, 1 unknown 80s, 5 females 90s, 1 female 100+
DuPage County: 1 female 90s
Kane County: 1 female 90s
McHenry County: 1 male 90s
St. Clair County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 70s

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 79,007 cases, including 3,459 deaths, in 98 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have processed 12,441 specimens for a total of 442,425.

In addition to other congregate settings, cases at Illinois Veterans’ Homes are being monitored. Currently, the home in Manteno is reporting 40 cases – 30 residents and 10 staff. One resident at the LaSalle home tested positive but has since tested negative, and there have been no cases reported at the Anna or Quincy homes. All residents and staff at Manteno and LaSalle have been tested. Specimens are currently being collected at the home in Anna and will be collected at the Quincy home on Wednesday.

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs is following guidance from state and local health officials, which includes continuing health screenings, maintaining social distancing practices, wearing face masks, using gloves and gowns when indicated, and intensified cleaning.