John R. Boehm
ILLINOIS SETS JULY REOPENING DATE: Illinois is on track to fully reopen the economy in July under Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois reopening plan, with Mayor Lori Lightfoot saying her goal is to be fully open by July 4.
As more Illinoisans get vaccinated against COVID-19 and hospitalizations decline, the state could soon move into the “bridge phase” the last step before a full reopening. Then, following 28 days of continued stability or decline in key COVID-19 metrics like vaccinations and hospital admissions, it would lift all capacity limits and resume large gatherings with new safety protocols.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker declined to provide a date for a full statewide reopening, but said that based on the current trajectory it will be on a similar timeline as the city of Chicago.
Unsplash
RUSH HELPS REVISE NEW CMS HOSPITAL STAR RATINGS: Nearly one-third of hospitals scored higher star ratings under CMS new methodology that s meant to create a clearer picture of quality and safety, according to data released Wednesday.
It s the first time CMS has applied the new methodology, and 45% of hospitals received the same star rating as before. Nearly a quarter, 22.7% of acute-care hospitals, had worse ratings.
Fourteen percent of hospitals under the new methodology received five stars, including Rush University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital. Both hospitals had 5-stars under the earlier formula, and clinicians and others from the Rush helped shape the new methodology.
Several Chicago hospitals earned low marks in two separate reports released this week, while Rush University Medical Center earned top scores from both.
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Presented by CVS Health
President Joe Biden gives his first address to a joint session of Congress on April 28, 2021. And he noted another first: “Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President no president has ever said those words, and it’s about time.” he said. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The Lake County Health Department anticipates receiving 33,720 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine during the week starting Monday for distribution to vaccination sites around the county.