THE STATE IS DEPLOYING MORE THAN TWO THOUSAND HEALTH CARE WORKERS TO HELP HOSPITALS WITH SURGING COVID-19 CASES. 

AT LAST COUNT, THERE WERE MORE THAN 72-HUNDRED COVID PATIENTS IN THE HOSPITAL AND ILLINOIS PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR NGOZI (en-gahzi) EZIKE (eh-zee-kay) SAYS THIS IS OVERWHELMING THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.

ILLINOIS PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR NGOZI (en-gahzi) EZIKE (eh-zee-kay) SAYS STAFFING HAS BECOME A BIG PROBLEM.

IN RESPONSE, ADDITIONAL MEDICAL STAFF ARE BEING SENT AROUND THE STATE AND COVID RESPONSE TEAMS ARE ALSO AT THE READY. DOCTOR EZIKE SAYS JUST NINE PERCENT OF I-C-U BEDS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN ILLINOIS.