ACROSS ILLINOIS — As the number of new coronavirus grows in Illinois, the virus has claimed the life of an infant, which state health officials officials say is unprecedented.

The state had 465 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 and and additional 13 deaths associated with the virus since Friday, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. This brings the statewide total to 3,491 detected cases and 47 deaths as of Saturday afternoon.

"There has never before been a death of COVID-19 associated with an infant," Illinois Department of Health Director Ngozi Ezike said, adding that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

Governor J.B. Pritzker said, "It's especially sorrowful for the family of this small child, for the years stolen from this infant."



He added, "I'm here to tell you maybe the most important thing that I know. That this will pass. We will carry our lost friends and family members with us forever." McCormick Place To Be Field Hospital



During Saturday's press conference, Pritzker said the state is working on building new facilities and repurporsing other buildings where need is great to accommodate the influx of patients.

"We're planning to use the city's McCormick Place Convention Center as the state's first field hospital," Pritzker said, adding that more details would be available in the coming days.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters. "We're not waiting for the worst; we're preparing ourselves for the worst," Pritzker said.