CHICAGO — Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Friday an increase in testing of COVID-19 is a step in the right direction.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,724 new positive cases, the largest 24-hour increase seen to date.
“However, [Thursday], we also saw the greatest number of test results recorded in a 24-hour period,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, IDPH Director.
“Obviously, when you test more people, you are going to find new cases.”
Ezike said over 16,000 tests had been administered in that 24-hour period.
Pritzker said the overall positive rate for the batch of tests was 17 percent, well below the cumulative average of 21 percent.
“It’s too early to say whether this is a result of expanded testing criteria versus an indicator of flattening the curve, but it’s a positive sign, nonetheless, for everyone, when more people are getting tested and there’s a lower ratio of positives,” he said.
“There’s still more work to do to maintain and build on this progress, but reaching and surpassing the 10,000 mark is a great first step.”
Hospital labs have agreed to help with COVID-19 testing.
To get more specimens, Pritzker said they have partnered with local health departments for testing sites.
There are 112 testing sites in the state, including eight in the Peoria region.
Pritzker said antibody tests are not where they need to be to offer immunity.
There is no antibody test that is approved at this time. When a test is approved, Pritzker said he will make it a top priority to get the tests for the state.
The IDPH said there were 108 new deaths, bringing the state’s total to 1,795.
