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WGLT's reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, which began in McLean County in March 2020.

Protective Equipment In Short Supply In Illinois As COVID-19 Cases Mount

Nurse with a test
Martin Meissner
/
AP
State officials urged dentists, veterinarians, and othes with stocks of personal protective equipment to donate it to healthcare providers.

The daily increase in reported cases of COVID-19 in Illinois is 168. One more person has died, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The Cook County man was in his 70s. So far, there have been 753 confirmed cases of coronavirus caused sickness in the state.

The state has also told the medical sector to limit elective procedures and surgeries, and to halt all dental procedures until further notice. Dentists had already been limiting elective and regular procedures.

The department of public health said these moves will help conserve rapidly dwindling stocks of personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.

The department asks veterinarians, surgery centers, and anyone with unused personal protective equipment that is not immediately used to donate it to help healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, and first responders addressing the pandemic.

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WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
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