Healthcare groups among new coalition supporting Pritzker’s COVID-19 response

Several healthcare groups are among the members of a new coalition supporting public health-driven decisions in the state’s COVID-19 response.

The Open Safe Coalition, announced Thursday, said in a statement it supports the decisions made by Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Public Health and local leaders. Its goal is to “amplify” the voices of Illinois residents who support the steps taken so far.

The 25 members of the coalition include the Illinois Public Health Association, AIDS Foundation Chicago, the Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, EverThrive Illinois, Heartland Alliance, Respiratory Health Association and SEIU Healthcare.

“Gov. Pritzker’s measured, public health-driven approach has slowed the spread of COVID-19 and saved lives,” said Tom Hughes, executive director of the Illinois Public Health Association. “It’s critical that we stay the course and continue to make decisions based on the best available data and public health analysis.”

State officials announced 55 more COVID-19 related deaths on Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 6,537. An additional 593 cases were reported, bringing the state’s total to 134,778 in 101 counties.

An additional 25,504 COVID-19 tests were completed, bringing the total completed tests to 1,283,832. The positivity rate for tests over the past seven days is 3 percent.

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