COVID Update: IL reports 1,592 new cases, 19 deaths as BA.2 becomes dominant strain in Chicago

There have been no less than 3,068,237 whole COVID circumstances, together with no less than 33,377 associated deaths within the state because the pandemic started.

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The seven-day statewide take a look at positivity fee is 1.7%.

Throughout the previous 24 hours, laboratories have reported testing 99,334 new specimens for a complete of 57,304,799 because the pandemic started.

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As of Wednesday night time, 461 sufferers in Illinois have been reported to be within the hospital with COVID-19. Of these, 58 sufferers have been within the ICU, and 22 sufferers with COVID-19 have been on ventilators.

A complete of 21,354,847 vaccine doses have been administered in Illinois as of Wednesday , and 64.34% of the state’s inhabitants is totally vaccinated. The seven-day rolling common of vaccines administered day by day is 6,824.

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

Chicago Dept. of Public Well being Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady stated it seems to be the primary time the U.S. isn’t following Europe with regards to case development.

The BA.2 sub variant doubles each seven days and is 30-50% extra contagious than its authentic pressure. Not like the omicron wave, the town isn’t seeing lengthy testing traces.

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

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

“Quite a bit individuals are shielded from getting BA.2 due to these current antibodies of BA.1,” stated Hannah Barbian, a virologist and epidemiologist at Rush College Medical Heart.

However some surprise if testing is correct, since so many individuals are taking residence checks and never reporting circumstances to the well being division.

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

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

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

“Are we seeing some circumstances? 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 shortly if there’s a surge once more.

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