Pritzker says Tuesday’s election still on despite ban on large gatherings

Tuesday’s primary election will go on despite the state announcing Monday that it has canceled all large gatherings of at least 50 people to help contain new coronavirus.

Gov. JB Pritzker said during his daily press conference that health experts have told him that voting could be conducted safely at polling places. He called the election a moment of “normalcy in a chaotic time.”

“This is the right thing to do. Our democracy needs to go on, we need to elect leaders,” Pritzker said. “If we cancel these elections, when would you have an election?”

Illinois is one of four states set to hold elections on Tuesday. Florida and Arizona will go forward with their elections, while Ohio has delayed its election.

Pritzker said they have stressed to election officials to wipe down equipment, provide hand sanitizer and ensure safe distances between individuals.

Officials announced 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Illinois to 105 in 15 counties. Peoria and Will counties saw their first reported cases.

“People should assume that this novel coronavirus is in their community, and take steps to help reduce the spread,” said Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “There is evidence that the transmission of the virus often occurs when symptoms first develop, so it is important to limit close contact with people as much as possible, even if you do not feel that sick.”

There have been no deaths from the disease, and officials stressed that several patients have made full recoveries.

Pritzker said he is following guidance issued over the weekend by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in issuing his ban on events with 50 or more people. On Monday, President Trump urged people to avoid gatherings of more than 10.

“Illinoisans that can stay home should continue to do so,” Pritzker said. “It is imperative that our residents take responsibility for themselves and their families and their communities.”

Exemptions include grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, gas stations, banks and shelters. The ban will also not apply to airports and mass transit.

Monday’s declaration came a day after Pritzker announced the state will close all bars and dine-in restaurants for two weeks.

There are now 15 hospitals in Illinois that can test for coronavirus, Pritzker said. The hospitals are spread throughout the state, which officials said will help them get an accurate read on community spread.

Pritzker declined to name the participating hospitals, saying there is concern that identifying them will lead residents with symptoms to rush to those facilities. That could overwhelm staff and prevent them from getting an accurate assessment on community spread.

Officials also addressed the situation of 51 Illinoisans who were aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship that docked last week in California after several passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The state residents are now being quarantined at a military base in Georgia. Pritzker said health officials advised him to keep the passengers in isolation for 14 days before being allowed home.

Pritzker and his staff have been in contact with many of the passengers to provide assistance and address certain challenges, such as ensuring they have access to prescription medication. The residents should begin coming back home by next week.

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