SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois’ public health director is urging residents to celebrate the holidays with limited activities and greater precautions because of the persistence of COVID-19.
Dr. Ngoze Ezike said people who are sick should not attend celebrations at all. Her cautionary note came as Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that the percentage of COVID-19 tests coming back positive has risen all across the state.
Officials announced 4,554 new cases of the highly contagious illness Friday, and 38 additional deaths.
Ezike suggested that holiday celebrations be planned carefully, from modes of travel to dinner-table seating arrangements, saying even small gatherings pose a risk of infection.
“I know of a party, there were 20 guests. 10 people ended up positive and one person is already hospitalized now,” Ezike said.
The IDPH recommends just one person serve food at this year’s holiday gatherings instead of a buffet style set up and keeping air moving inside by opening up a few windows.
“There are funerals that have ended up in additional funerals. That’s not the point of these gatherings,” Ezike said.
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