COVID-19 Update: IL reports 1,798 new cases, 34 deaths

IDPH notes that “every day deaths reported on weekends and firstly of the week could also be low as IDPH and native well being departments transfer away from reviewing and processing COVID-19 dying information over the weekend. These deaths will probably be captured in subsequent days.”

There have been no less than 3,074,738 whole COVID instances, together with no less than 33,434 associated deaths within the state for the reason that pandemic started.

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The seven-day statewide check positivity price is at 2.0%, up from 1.9% on Monday.

Throughout the previous 24 hours, laboratories have reported testing 39,447 new specimens for a complete of 57,594,203 for the reason that pandemic started.

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As of Monday evening, 546 sufferers in Illinois have been reported to be within the hospital with COVID-19. Of these, 76 sufferers have been within the ICU, and 26 sufferers with COVID-19 have been on ventilators.

A complete of 21,448,316 vaccine doses have been administered in Illinois as of Monday, and 64.43% of the state’s inhabitants is absolutely vaccinated. The seven-day rolling common of vaccines administered every day is 16,183.

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Whereas the BA.2 omicron sub variant is now the dominant pressure of the virus in Chicago, the town’s prime physician says we’re not seeing a surge in instances.

Chicago Division of Public Well being Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady stated it seems to be the primary time the U.S. just isn’t following Europe in terms of case development.

The BA.2 sub variant doubles each seven days and is 30-50% extra contagious than its unique pressure. In contrast to the omicron wave, the town just isn’t seeing lengthy testing strains.

“We proceed to be at comparatively low threat and a great spot in Chicago,” Arwady stated, “and we’re watching intently for indicators of great concern.”

Whereas COVID case developments in america have adopted these in Europe, this time could also be completely different. Vaccinations and the massive quantity of people that have been contaminated with omicron are offering the inhabitants with safety.

“Rather a lot persons are shielded from getting BA.2 due to these present antibodies of BA.1,” stated Hannah Barbian, a virologist and epidemiologist at Rush College Medical Middle.

However some surprise if testing is correct, since so many individuals are taking house assessments and never reporting instances to the well being division.

“All alongside, case rely is just one piece of what we monitor,” Arwady defined.

Arwady stated wastewater testing just isn’t seeing an enormous spike and neither are emergency rooms. Historically, Arwady stated ERs see main will increase earlier than surges.

Chicago’s prime physician additionally stated she was inspired by what’s being seen in private and non-private faculties, the place masks turned non-compulsory a couple of weeks in the past.

“Are we seeing some instances? We’re,” Arwady stated. “Are we seeing some clusters? Are we seeing any indicators that taking masks off have led to widespread improve of an infection? No.”

Whereas Arwady stated the numbers look good now, she stated the town is able to shift rapidly if there’s a surge once more.

Whereas the chance is low, Arwady is encouraging anybody over 65 or over 50 with underlying circumstances to get a second booster.