Illinois gov's critique of fed virus response angers Trump

CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. J.B. Pritzker criticized the federal government's response to the coronavirus pandemic Sunday, saying Illinois hasn't received enough medical supplies, prompting an angry response from President Donald Trump.

Pritzker said Illinois got a recent supply but that it was a fraction of what was requested from the federal government. The first-term Democrat, who has issued a statewide 'œstay at home order'ť amid the pandemic, said Illinois is buying supplies from the open market, as are other states also in need of supplies.

'œWe're all competing against each other,'ť Pritzker told CNN's 'œState of the Union.'ť "This should have been a coordinated effort by the federal government."'

Illinois' public health officials announced 296 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, including an infant, bringing the total number statewide to 1,049. The Illinois Department of Public Health also announced three additional deaths, bringing the total number to nine.

For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Pritzker and other Democrats, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, were on various TV news shows Sunday questioning why Trump hasn't yet made military resources available despite triggering the Defense Production Act.

Trump, who has said repeatedly that his administration is not to blame for the growing pandemic, lashed out against the Democratic leaders on Twitter saying they should not be 'œblaming the federal government for their own shortcomings.'ť

He added: 'œWe are there to back you up should you fail, and always will be!'ť

Pritzker's order, which took effect Saturday evening, requires Illinois residents to remain in their homes, except for essentials, joining similar efforts in California, New York to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Pritzker said there should be such an order in place nationwide.

___

The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.