As of late this week the state had just 8 percent of ICU beds available. One of the ways to get more “open” beds is to have more staff. That’s why the state is contracting another 2,048 health care workers. More than 900 are already on the job and 550 more will be here by next Friday. IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike says the entire healthcare system is under strain.

The state recorded 142 deaths on Thursday of this week. the highest single total since January 7th of 2021.