CHICAGO — Even though positive cases are lower across the state due to fewer tests over the Thanksgiving weekend, hospitalizations are still at a high level across Illinois.
Because of this, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at his daily briefing Monday that restrictions across the state will stay in place.
“We are still very much in a precarious place,” said Pritzker. “We have got to take the time to evaluate any Thanksgiving effect before we make any premature adjustments.
“The dip in Illinois’ cases over the last few days comes as we are seeing record high numbers of hospitalizations.”
Pritzker added that the state has to be careful to not overwhelm the health care system.
As of Sunday night, 5,849 people in Illinois were in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 1,217 were in the ICU and 715 were on ventilators.
The region that encompasses the tri-county area, Region 2, had its positivity rate fall each day over the Thanksgiving holiday.
The rate as of Monday is 13.1%, which is down from 14.4% on last Wednesday.
Experts have warned that a spike could be coming in the next couple weeks as more people get tested after travelling for the holiday.
