CHICAGO, Ill. – The state of Illinois is asking healthcare facilities to ramp up efforts to mitigate respiratory viruses as cases increase.
Data from the Center for Disease Control’s COVID Data Tracker shows that, as of the week ending December 2nd, ten counties are listed at a high level of COVID hospitalizations. Another 41 counties are listed at a medium level of hospitalizations.
A high level is described as more than 20 hospitalizations per 100,000 population, with a medium level between 10 and 20 hospitalizations.
The state also is reporting 1,225 new COVID hospitalizations, a 22% increase over the previous week. It also notes RSV is causing a “heavy burden” of pediatric hospitalizations, with lab tests showing positive RSV tests increasing for ten weeks in a row. COVID-19 positive tests have been increasing for three weeks in a row.
“We are most concerned with healthcare facilities in counties with elevated respiratory virus transmission and hospitalization levels and recommend masking in patient care areas, especially in emergency departments and areas caring for patients who are immunocompromised,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.
To combat the rise in cases, the IDPH is recommending hospitals, long-term care facilities, and local health departments to encourage the use of masking and screening. It’s also asking people to be updated on the vaccinations.
