PEORIA, Ill. — Peoria has become a nationwide “epicenter” for COVID-19 over recent weeks, according to Dr. Doug Kasper, Interim section head of infectious disease at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria.
“Peoria over to Bloomington are unique,” said Kasper on WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show.” “We are increasing rapidly.”
Kasper says new variants that have been reported to be more contagious are driving the spike in cases, not the traditional strain seen in the community.
“It’s much easier to become infected when you are exposed to a case, especially if you are not vaccinated,” said Kasper.
Speaking of vaccinations, Kasper says mRNA vaccinations remain incredibly effective in preventing hospitalized cases of COVID, even though the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was paused early in the week.
According to Kasper, reopening, a slowing of vaccinations, and the emergence of new variants have caused the widespread hospitalizations over the last two weeks.
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