SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The state’s overall rate of positive COVID-19 tests on Monday stayed steady.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported a rolling 7-day positivity rate of 12% for May 16-22.
The positivity rate for all four regions remained “in the green” — that is, within the state’s mandated parameters to be able to move to phase three of Restore Illinois, which remained on track to occur Friday for all regions.
1,713 new cases were reported Monday. There were 31 newly-reported deaths.
Those figures brought the state’s overall numbers to 112,017 cases and 4,884 deaths.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, IDPH Director, spoke to the impact COVID-19 has had on what is usually a social weekend for many.
“I know this weekend is supposed to unofficially kick off the summer season, and that traditionally includes graduation parties and pool openings and the like,” she said.
“Although it’s unfortunate we can’t throw a barbecue with 100 of our friends, I think it’s clear why we are in this situation, and I know you’re doing your part to make sure we will get to celebrations we can celebrate with more normalcy in the future.
“This is not an easy time, but until we have a vaccine and reliable treatment, we need to learn how to coexist with COVID.”
21,643 lab specimens were taken between Sunday and Monday. To date, 769,564 tests have been performed.
