SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health reports another, for them, somewhat concerning increase in the number of COVID-19 cases statewide.
The state saw more than 26,000 new cases of COVID reported in the weekly period ending Friday, but Governor JB Pritzker remains cautiously optimistic.
“I don’t like to see cases going up,” said Pritzker. “But I will say that this stealth Omicron — which is the variant that we’re in right now — does not seem to be sending, percentage-wise, the number of people to the hospital that its predecessor did.”
No counties in the immediate area are under any sort of CDC warning for community spread. Only McLean County is now rated by the feds as as having a “Medium Community Level.” “At the Medium Community Level, persons who are elderly or immunocompromised (at risk of severe outcomes) are advised to wear a mask in indoor public places. In addition, they should make sure to get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines or get their 2nd booster, if eligible,” said an IDPH news release.
732 people were in hospitals as of Friday, 75 of those in Intensive Care Units, and 32 are on ventilators.
Pritzker, meanwhile, is also pleased to hear about progress in developing a COVID vaccine for young people.
“Hallelujah that we’re seeing progress,” said Pritzker. “I have so many friends and know so many young people around the state that need to get a shot for their child who’s under five. So, I’m just pleased that we’re now seeing progress, finally.”
Moderna is seeking emergency use authorization of a COVID vaccine for those under five.
Otherwise, 73 percent of all eligible Illinoisans are now considered to be “fully vaccinated.”
