SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Friday reported 16,742 new and probable cases of COVID-19 in the last week, up from 11,682 the week before.
IDPH reported more than 75% of Illinois adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while more than 59% are fully vaccinated.
Hospitalizations are also up throughout the state due to the virus. Hospitalizations with COVID-19 were up 33% compared to last week, those in the ICU with COVID-19 was up 47%, and patients on ventilators nearly doubled.
While some breakthrough cases have been seen, IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike still said the best protection is vaccination.
“Please understand these instances represent only a fraction of the people who have been vaccinated,” said Ezike.
As of Wednesday, there had been 714 breakthrough hospitalizations and 180 deaths among the six million fully vaccinated Illinoisans.
“That’s roughly .01% of people who have been fully vaccinated who have been hospitalized,” said Ezike. “And .003% of people who are fully vaccinated who have perished.”
Ezike said those who are vaccinated that get COVID-19 usually have few to no symptoms.
