He also formally declared a disaster proclamation. That opens up pathways to federal and state resources, including money and medical expertise.
While the risk of getting coronavirus remains low, Pritzker is reminding people to be prepared for the disruptions the virus can cause.
“I know that this is a difficult time for people as we try to understand and respond to something this new,” said Pritzker. “It’s reasonable to feel apprehension. I want folks to understand this is going to affect your daily life.”
Pritzker says 15 hospitals around the state will be running voluntary surveillance testing.
Seven of those are in Cook County, with the rest elsewhere in Illinois.
The state also is operating three testing labs in Chicago, Springfield and Carbondale.