Public Health Officials Announce 27,543 New Cases of Coronavirus Disease Over the Past Week
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 27,543 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 48 deaths since July 1, 2022.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,462,948 cases, including 34,198 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois since the beginning of the pandemic.
As of last night, 1,309 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 149 patients were in the ICU and 47 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. The preliminary seven-day statewide case rate is 216 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 Illinoisans.
"With 71 counties in Illinois rated at Medium or High Community Level for COVID-19 by the CDC, the majority of counties remain at elevated risk" said IDPH Acting Director Amaal Tokars. "We urge everyone to protect themselves by making sure they are up-to-date with vaccines and booster shots. This is especially important for people who are vulnerable to serious medical outcomes. In areas with elevated community levels, you should wear your mask in indoor public places and avoid indoor crowded spaces. If needed, contact a healthcare provider promptly to discuss what treatment is right for you."
The counties listed at High Community Level are DuPage and Lake in northeastern Illinois; Adams, Champaign, Coles, Fulton, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Pike and Warren in central Illinois; and Calhoun, Crawford, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jersey, Johnson, Madison, Massac, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, White and Williamson in Southern Illinois.
The CDC recommends the following measures for people in areas that are rated at High Community Level for COVID-19 transmission:
- Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status (including in K-12 schools and other indoor community settings)
- If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease
- Wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection
- Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to take other precautions
- Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing)
- IF YOU TEST POSITIVE: Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies
- If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease
- consider self-testing to detect infection before contact
- consider wearing a mask when indoors with them
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
- Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible
- Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
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.