Peoria and Tazewell counties remain at a high community level for COVID-19 transmission, while Woodford County is one of only eight Illinois counties classified at a low level.
“With 94 counties now rated at medium or high community level for COVID-19, we are seeing a slow but steady increase in case counts,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Acting Director Amaal Tokars in a news release.
“We remind Illinoisans that the most important step they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones is to make sure they are up-to-date with vaccines and booster shots. This is especially important for people who are vulnerable to serious medical outcomes.”
Statistics from the IDPH website show the Tri-County adding 3,494 new COVID cases in the last month, along with 13 fatalities. The region's death toll since the start of the pandemic stands at 11,273.
Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention call for people in high transmission counties to wear masks indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status.
According to the IDPH data, 58.8% percent of the Tri-County population is fully vaccinated and 62.1% of the residents have received at least one dose. Nearly 116,000 booster shots have been administered in the three counties.
“It is recommended that you wear your mask in indoor public places and avoid indoor crowded spaces at this time. If needed, contact a healthcare provider promptly to discuss what treatment is right for you,” said Tokars.
The IDPH on Friday reported 33,066 new cases and 59 deaths linked to COVID-19 in the past week.
