COVID-19 cases Illinois: IL reports 3,314 new coronavirus cases, 22 new deaths

CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois reported 3,314 new COVID circumstances and 22 new deaths Tuesday.

The Illinois Dept. of Public Well being says “each day deaths reported on weekends and firstly of the week could also be low” and “these deaths will likely be captured in subsequent days.”

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COVID-19 transmission has been raised to a “medium” threat degree in Prepare dinner County in addition to its surrounding counties, based on the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.

There have been not less than 3,918,785 whole COVID circumstances within the state for the reason that begin of the pandemic and not less than 35,584 associated deaths.

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As of Monday night time, 1,632 sufferers in Illinois have been reported to be within the hospital with COVID-19. Of these, 185 sufferers have been within the ICU, and 68 sufferers with COVID-19 have been on ventilators.

The each day case fee per 100,000 inhabitants is at 25.6.

Just one in 3 Chicagoans over 65 have gotten booster shot

Chicago’s prime physician says she could be very involved that residents 65 and older should not protected in opposition to COVID-19.

The most recent information exhibits nearly 34% of Chicagoans in that age group are updated on their pictures. However these are additionally the individuals who face a few of the biggest dangers.

Edward Walker, 67, took benefit of a frequently scheduled physician’s appointment to get all of the vaccines: flu, pneumonia and the COVID bivalent booster.

“I wish to dwell, I wish to dwell to be 87 as an alternative of 67, in order that why I am right here getting my pictures,” he stated.

Whereas the bivalent booster has been accessible for individuals over 65 for months, seniors have been gradual to get it. In response to Chicago Division of Public Well being, just one in 3 of Chicagoans over 65 have acquired the shot – and it is the identical group that’s driving a rise in COVID hospitalizations.

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“They’re nonetheless thought of one of many highest threat populations for getting COVID,” stated Dr. Rene Roberts, Oak Road Well being.

Weaker immune programs mixed with underlying situations like diabetes and hypertension put older adults in danger. But Dr. Roberts says it has been an uphill battle to persuade some sufferers to get it, even for some who have been first in line when the unique vaccine got here out.

“Lots of sufferers will say you recognize I did fairly good, I managed to get by the pandemic and I did not get COVID, so why do I nonetheless have to get the COVID booster,” Dr. Roberts stated.

Dr. Roberts stated some sufferers are wanting to get the flu and pneumonia vaccines, however cease wanting the COVID booster. She says convincing sufferers to get all of the pictures is about a number of one-on-one conversations.

“We actually delight ourselves on constructing belief with our sufferers and inside the communities the place clinics are situated,” she stated.

Oak Road’s sufferers are major older and minority. The booster fee in Chicago stays beneath 20% for each Black and Latino residents. Dr. Roberts hopes vacation get togethers will push extra of their sufferers to get the booster – it is certainly one of many causes Edward Walker bought his.

“If I get mine, I do know I am safe and my household is safe,” Walker stated.

Since Thanksgiving, COVID circumstances and hospitalizations have elevated barely. Whereas the area stays at medium threat, waste water surveillance is now exhibiting excessive threat, which may very well be an indication of what’s to return.