Pritzker Denounces 'Profound Failure,' Asks IL To Be 'All In'

ILLINOIS — As state health officials announced 715 new coronavirus cases and 16 additional deaths — for a new death toll of 157 Illinoisans — Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave an update Thursday on efforts to build several alternate care facilities and asked Illinois residents to join a statewide initiative.

He also took another opportunity to lash out at the federal government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"I've already taken virtually every action available to me to slow the spread," Pritzker said. He added that Illinois was among the first few states to close schools, shut down bars and restaurants and issue a stay-at-home order — which has since been extended until April 30.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 2: Cases Top 7,600; 157 Deaths

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"I take no pride in being earlier than others, but I'm honestly upset about the lack of action on a national basis," he said calling what he depicted as a slow response a "profound failure of our national government."

As for what else can be done to slow the spread of coronavirus, Pritzker said, "The rest is up to you."

He asked residents to join the state's All In Illinois campaign. The campaign asks residents to update their Facebook photos with an "All In Illinois" frame. Residents can also download and print signs to display in their windows.

The All In Illinois website also includes videos from famous "Friends of Illinois" reminding residents to stay home, including "Glee" actress Jane Lynch, herself an Illinois native; "Black-ish" actor and Chicago native Deon Cole; Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who hails from East St.Louis; "Chicago P.D." actor Jason Beghe; and "Veep" star Matt Walsh, who is also from Chicago.

"Our strongest weapon against COVID-19 is you," Pritzker said. "Almost all of you are doing it right. I see all you're doing to stop the spread. I see you fighting for each other, Illinois," he added, saying residents are "as tough as you are kind."