During his daily COVID-19 briefing on Thursday, Governor J-B Pritzker announced the federal government approved his request for a major disaster declaration for the State of Illinois.
"This declaration will provide emergency funding to increase hospital and housing capacity as we respond to this unprecedented health crisis. This declaration also provides resources to expand telehealth, allowing us to safely reach more Illinoisans in need of care."
Pritzker says he is also requesting another disaster declaration for all 102 counties in Illinois, which would allow the state to access FEMA's individual assistance program, which could include unemployment benefits for those not currently eligible for state unemployment insurance.