SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Public Health on Thursday reported another significant increase in COVID-19 cases.
IDPH said 1,624 Illinoisans received positive test results between Wednesday and Thursday.
The last time a case count was that high was May 25, when there were 1,713.
39,706 specimens were taken between Wednesday and Thursday by labs across the state.
The rolling seven-day positivity rate has risen to 3.4%.
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said she’s thankful for the people who have taken proper precautions to prevent the spread of the disease, but still discouraged by how many people do not seem to be taking it seriously.
“This is not about restricting freedom. This is about decreasing the transmission of this virus which, ultimately, saves lives,” she said.
“It’s that plain. It’s that simple.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker echoed those sentiments.
“It’s imperative we hold onto the success we’ve had against this virus,” he said.
In the 24-hour reporting period between Wednesday and Thursday, 20 more people died from it.
1,473 Illinoisans were said to be in hospitals across the state with the virus. 309 patients were in intensive care units, while 135 were on ventilators.
