Illinois is trending in the wrong direction on COVID-19 case counts--and the Peoria area is no exception.
Peoria City/County Health Department Administrator Monica Hendrickson said positivity rates are on the rise. That's also leading to increases in more dire impacts.
"When you see increases in numbers of cases, you're going to see increases in numbers of hospitalizations, and those individuals who, sadly, the impact of the virus on them is mortality," she said.
As of Thursday, Region 2 had a 7.1% seven-day rolling positivity rate. The region stretches from the Mississippi River in the west to Bloomington-Normal in the east, and extends up to some of the Chicago exurbs.
Hendrickson said Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties have recorded 613 new COVID-19 cases in the last week alone. COVID patients are occupying 11% of the area's ICU capacity.
Unlike over the summer, Hendrickson said contact tracing efforts are now showing the majority of the spread is happening at small gatherings, not at parties or larger events.
"What we're starting to see is people are starting to get complacent, or feeling more comfortable around those that they are with," Hendrickson said. "When we talk about your household, we say you need to practice social distancing and face coverings, especially those outside of your household, that means anyone who doesn't live in your house. That physical location."
Many extended families would ordinarily gather soon, with the holidays right around the corner. Hendrickson said there are still safe ways to celebrate, such as meeting via Zoom rather than in-person, in smaller groups, or even outdoors.
"The key is that no one is saying you can't participate in these activities. You're just going to do it slightly different," she said. "And I think as a community, we are flexible and understanding."
Hendrickson also reiterated a plea to continue social distancing and wearing face coverings, noting no one is immune to the virus.
"At the end of the day, you're saving someone else's life. I think that's the takeaway message," she said. "I think most people in the world will realize the fact that, if you can be a superhero in this storyline, you can do what's right, and help our community as a whole."
There's no subscription fee to listen or read our stories. Everyone can access this essential public service thanks to community support. Donate now, and help fund your public media.
