SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Cases of COVID-19 in Illinois increased by 39% this past week, with state public health officials reported more than 19,000 new infections.
The number of COVID-19 cases announced does not include those who only tested positive with an at-home test kit. But, there is some good news according to Gov. J-B Pritzker.
“We’ve seen something interesting so far with this new Omicron sub-variant, and that is that even with a rise in cases, and including those, we’re not seeing a rise in hospitalizations. It’s very small upticks and even downticks all across the state, but on balance, we’re not seeing a significant rise, or any rise right now,” Pritzker said.
Most of Illinois remains at low risk for transmission of the virus, although four counties: Dupage, Champaign, McLean and Piatt are considered at medium risk.
It’s advised that the elderly and those who are immunocompromised wear a mask in indoor public settings in those areas.
Gov. Pritzker said state health officials are keeping an eye on the situation, and will announce precautions if appropriate.
“So, I will not hesitate to let the public know that it’s time to mask up, or that we need to do more to get people vaccinated or where they can get therapeutics if they don’t know already. But, we’re being very careful to monitor those things and speak to the public when necessary,” Pritzker said.
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