Illinoisans may have hoped for a soft summer landing from the pandemic, but federal and state data show COVID-19 infections are again climbing in some parts of the state.
Blame it on a crisis in neighboring Missouri, on nastier virus variants and lower vaccination rates, or most likely some combination of these factors.
But after a monthslong decline in cases from fall and spring peaks, the rate of new daily cases is up in the west-central and southern regions of Illinois, as well as the Metro East region near St. Louis.
Case rates remain relatively low, but there’s concern more of Illinois could follow suit, especially in areas lagging on vaccinations.
COVID-19 infections are up in parts of Illinois chicagotribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from chicagotribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
COVID-19 infections are rising again in parts of Illinois Here s where and why | State and Regional herald-review.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from herald-review.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Illinois dropped many of its remaining pandemic restrictions Friday, but public health data shows two different realities lie ahead for people as that reopening begins. For those who are fully vaccinated, the threat of a serious infection is largely (but not entirely) over. Of more than 5 million fully vaccinated Illinoisans, state data shows 413 later got sick enough from the coronavirus to .