According to a recent report, plans are in the works for the CDC to update its guidance, and the new recommendations could mean the removal of the five-day isolation period.

The CDC told NBC Chicago there were “no updates to COVID guidelines to announce at this time,” however.

“We will continue to make decisions based on the best evidence and science to keep communities healthy and safe,” spokesperson Dave Daigle said.

If it happens, the move would follow similar decisions by California and Oregon health departments.

Last month, California announced new isolation guidelines. There, a person who tests positive for COVID and has no symptoms does not need to isolate, according to new state health guidelines. People who test positive and have mild symptoms, meanwhile, can end isolation once their symptoms improve and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication — even if that point arrives in less than five days.

“We are now at a different point in time with reduced impacts from COVID-19 compared to prior years due to broad immunity from vaccination and/or natural infection, and readily available treatments available for infected people,” the California Health Department said in a news release.

“Our policies and priorities for intervention are now focused on protecting those most at risk for serious illness, while reducing social disruption that is disproportionate to recommendations for prevention of other endemic respiratory viral infections,” it added.

In Illinois, however, state health officials said they are “aware of the CDC’s consideration of new COVID-19 guidelines and are continuing to evaluate our own statewide guidelines.”

“As we work with our federal partners to provide the most appropriate recommendations to our residents moving forward, IDPH continues to emphasize the importance of using all preventative tools to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19,” the Illinois Department of Public Health said in a statement. “Especially for those with certain underlying conditions, COVID-19 even today poses a more serious risk of severe health outcomes than RSV or flu. The lessons we learned during the pandemic continue to remain valuable for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.  This means washing your hands frequently if you have a cough/cold/respiratory symptoms and even considering wearing a mask to prevent the transmission of those germs to others. You should also get tested if you are experiencing symptoms, as it can help you access time sensitive treatments for Flu and Covid-19.  And, let’s not forget vaccinations. Vaccinations continues to remain the most effective tool to protect you from serious illness from these respiratory infections.”

The report from The Washington Post, which cited “four agency officials and an expert familiar with the discussions,” notes that new CDC guidance is not yet finalized and changes could still be made. Initial timing was expected to see the new protocols released for public feedback in April, though that timing could also change.

According to the report, multiple sources said the CDC plans to recommend that those who test positive for the virus can base their isolation time on symptoms, with the new guidance allowing those who have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and who have mild symptoms that are improving to end isolation. Some exceptions could still see longer isolation requirements, however, particularly for those in health care settings or who work with vulnerable populations.

If it happens, the change would mark the first time the U.S. angecy has loosened its COVID isolation recommendations in three years.

Some experts say the move wouldn’t be unexpected.

“I think this is expected because they’re trying to give guidelines that are going to be reasonable that people will follow,” Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, the director of infection control at Edward Hospital, told NBC Chicago. “We already have guidelines for other viruses like influenza about how long people need to stay at home, so they wanted to kind of get in line with those guidelines and give people a reasonable instructions about how to behave.”

“My reaction was, ‘It’s about time,’ you know? We’re going to have some changes in terms of these quarantines as we get year to year to year into our COVID pandemic because it is becoming, for many people, a more mild illness and it’s time we sort of treat it and approach it like other respiratory viruses that we commonly see in the fall- influenza RSV – more typical durations of contagiousness and durations of isolation,” said Dr. Mia Taormina, infectious disease chair at Duly Health & Care.

The current guidance has been in place since 2021, though reports of potential updates had surfaced last fall before respiratory viruses began surging in the colder months.

Experts predict the potential CDC changes that could come out this spring will likely mirror those changes seen in California and Oregon.

“We’re sort of anticipating that what may come down – again, not until April or later – from the CDC, after the viral season is over, is going to be in line with states like California and Oregon who have already reduced that quarantine time but encourage 10 days of mask wearing … The important part here is that nothing has changed in terms of the science of this virus,” Taormina said. “We still know that folks are contagious for five, six, seven days, they may still be testing positive on home tests for quite a while.”

Nationally, COVID-19 illnesses seem to have peaked alongside flu, data showed, though experts cautioned that things could change on a regional level. CDC data indicates coronavirus-caused hospitalizations haven’t hit the same levels they did at the same point during the last three winters, but COVID-19 is putting more people in the hospital than flu.

That’s why some experts say while changes may be in the works, it won’t mean abandoning guidance to stay home if you’re ill and masking will be more important than before.

“It’s important to know that once you have COVID or another virus, you can still spread it especially in those first few days. And so it’ll still be important to wear a mask to protect other people,” Pinsky said. “If you’re going leaving your home, especially if it’s only after a day or two of infection, you’re still going to be infectious. So it’s important to wear the mask to protect other people for full 10 days.”

“We’re not saying that this is any less contagious, that we can go out and about – it’s just for people that are having improvement in their symptoms. otherwise healthy hosts, they are less likely to be meaningfully contagious once those fevers are gone and their symptoms are getting better,” Taormina said. “So with some mask wearing and picking and choosing your activities, we should be in a better place … the messaging stays the same. If you’re not feeling, well stay home.”

Taormina even added that it could make things safer in some cases.

“I’d rather have folks staying home for a day or two, going back to work or to their usual activities on day three or four if they’re feeling better, as opposed to not testing at all because they don’t want to be hung up on this mandatory five days away from work away from their activities,” she said.

Here’s a look at the current guidelines and where things stand:

What are the current COVID protocols?

The guidelines for isolating have not changed since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here are the protocols listed by the agency:

Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19, the CDC reports.

You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If your results are negative, you can end that isolation.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home. The CDC notes that people are “likely most infectious during these first five days.”

When you have COVID-19, isolation is counted in days, as follows:

If you had no symptoms:

• Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)
• Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
• If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset

If you had symptoms:

• Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive
• Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started

Other guidance for those who test positive:

• Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
• Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
• Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
• Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you had no symptoms, you can end your isolation after day five, but for those who experience symptoms, that line might be different, the CDC notes.

Those who have mild symptoms can end isolation after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medication, but those with more moderate or severe illnesses will need to wait until day 10.

Those who have mild symptoms that are not improving should also wait until those symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Those with more severe illness may also want to consult with their doctor before ending isolation and could need a viral test to end their isolation period.

Despite ending isolation, those who test positive should continue to avoid people and mask through at least day 11, according to the CDC guidelines.

According to a recent report, plans are in the works for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update its isolation guidance, and the new recommendations could mean the removal of the five-day isolation period.

But is that the best move?

A new report from The Washington Post, citing “four agency officials and an expert familiar with the discussions,” states that the U.S. health agency is preparing to loosen its COVID isolation recommendations for the first time since 2021.

According to the report, multiple sources said the CDC plans to recommend that those who test positive for the virus can base their isolation time on symptoms, with the new guidance allowing those who have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and who have mild symptoms that are improving to end isolation. Some exceptions could still see longer isolation requirements, however, particularly for those in health care settings or who work with vulnerable populations.

The CDC told NBC Chicago there were “no updates to COVID guidelines to announce at this time.”

“We will continue to make decisions based on the best evidence and science to keep communities healthy and safe,” spokesperson Dave Daigle said.

But some experts say the move wouldn’t be unexpected.

“I think this is expected because they’re trying to give guidelines that are going to be reasonable that people will follow,” Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, the director of infection control at Edward Hospital, told NBC Chicago. “We already have guidelines for other viruses like influenza about how long people need to stay at home, so they wanted to kind of get in line with those guidelines and give people a reasonable instructions about how to behave.”

The Washington Post report notes that the new guidance is not yet finalized and changes could still be made. Initial timing was expected to see the new protocols released for public feedback in April, though that timing could also change.

“My reaction was, ‘It’s about time,’ you know? We’re going to have some changes in terms of these quarantines as we get year to year to year into our COVID pandemic because it is becoming, for many people, a more mild illness and it’s time we sort of treat it and approach it like other respiratory viruses that we commonly see in the fall- influenza RSV – more typical durations of contagiousness and durations of isolation,” said Dr. Mia Taormina, infectious disease chair at Duly Health & Care.

The current guidance has been in place since 2021, though reports of potential updates had surfaced last fall before respiratory viruses began surging in the colder months.

Last month, California announced new isolation guidelines similar to the potential update from the CDC.

There, a person who tests positive for COVID and has no symptoms does not need to isolate, according to new state health guidelines. People who test positive and have mild symptoms, meanwhile, can end isolation once their symptoms improve and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication — even if that point arrives in less than five days.

“We are now at a different point in time with reduced impacts from COVID-19 compared to prior years due to broad immunity from vaccination and/or natural infection, and readily available treatments available for infected people,” the California Health Department said in a news release.

“Our policies and priorities for intervention are now focused on protecting those most at risk for serious illness, while reducing social disruption that is disproportionate to recommendations for prevention of other endemic respiratory viral infections,” it added.

Experts predict the potential CDC changes that could come out this spring will likely mirror those changes seen in California and Oregon.

“We’re sort of anticipating that what may come down – again, not until April or later – from the CDC, after the viral season is over, is going to be in line with states like California and Oregon who have already reduced that quarantine time but encourage 10 days of mask wearing … The important part here is that nothing has changed in terms of the science of this virus,” Taormina said. “We still know that folks are contagious for five, six, seven days, they may still be testing positive on home tests for quite a while.”

In Illinois, however, state health officials said they are “aware of the CDC’s consideration of new COVID-19 guidelines and are continuing to evaluate our own statewide guidelines.”

“As we work with our federal partners to provide the most appropriate recommendations to our residents moving forward, IDPH continues to emphasize the importance of using all preventative tools to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19,” the Illinois Department of Public Health said in a statement. “Especially for those with certain underlying conditions, COVID-19 even today poses a more serious risk of severe health outcomes than RSV or flu. The lessons we learned during the pandemic continue to remain valuable for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.  This means washing your hands frequently if you have a cough/cold/respiratory symptoms and even considering wearing a mask to prevent the transmission of those germs to others. You should also get tested if you are experiencing symptoms, as it can help you access time sensitive treatments for Flu and Covid-19.  And, let’s not forget vaccinations. Vaccinations continues to remain the most effective tool to protect you from serious illness from these respiratory infections.”

Nationally, COVID-19 illnesses seem to have peaked alongside flu, data showed, though experts cautioned that things could change on a regional level. CDC data indicates coronavirus-caused hospitalizations haven’t hit the same levels they did at the same point during the last three winters, but COVID-19 is putting more people in the hospital than flu.

That’s why some experts say while changes may be in the works, it won’t mean abandoning guidance to stay home if you’re ill and masking will be more important than before.

“It’s important to know that once you have COVID or another virus, you can still spread it especially in those first few days. And so it’ll still be important to wear a mask to protect other people,” Pinsky said. “If you’re going leaving your home, especially if it’s only after a day or two of infection, you’re still going to be infectious. So it’s important to wear the mask to protect other people for full 10 days.”

“We’re not saying that this is any less contagious, that we can go out and about – it’s just for people that are having improvement in their symptoms. otherwise healthy hosts, they are less likely to be meaningfully contagious once those fevers are gone and their symptoms are getting better,” Taormina said. “So with some mask wearing and picking and choosing your activities, we should be in a better place … the messaging stays the same. If you’re not feeling, well stay home.”

Taormina even added that it could make things safer in some cases.

“I’d rather have folks staying home for a day or two, going back to work or to their usual activities on day three or four if they’re feeling better, as opposed to not testing at all because they don’t want to be hung up on this mandatory five days away from work away from their activities,” she said.

Here’s a look at the current guidelines and where things stand:

What are the current COVID protocols?

The guidelines for isolating have not changed since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here are the protocols listed by the agency:

Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19, the CDC reports.

You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If your results are negative, you can end that isolation.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home. The CDC notes that people are “likely most infectious during these first five days.”

When you have COVID-19, isolation is counted in days, as follows:

If you had no symptoms:

• Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)
• Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
• If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset

If you had symptoms:

• Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive
• Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started

Other guidance for those who test positive:

• Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
• Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
• Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
• Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you had no symptoms, you can end your isolation after day five, but for those who experience symptoms, that line might be different, the CDC notes.

Those who have mild symptoms can end isolation after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medication, but those with more moderate or severe illnesses will need to wait until day 10.

Those who have mild symptoms that are not improving should also wait until those symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Those with more severe illness may also want to consult with their doctor before ending isolation and could need a viral test to end their isolation period.

Despite ending isolation, those who test positive should continue to avoid people and mask through at least day 11, according to the CDC guidelines.

What to know about testing?

Those who have symptoms are urged to take a COVID test as soon as possible, though officials continue to caution that a negative at-home test may not be as reliable as a positive one.

“If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can,” the CDC states.

Those who don’t have symptoms but may have been exposed should wait five days after exposure to take a test, according to the CDC guidance.

While many Americans may have unused tests in their homes, it’s important to check the expiration dates, experts say.

The Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of many popular at-home test products, which means some such kits may still be safe to use, CNBC reports. You can check expiration dates for each brand using a page on the FDA’s website.

Public health experts have continued to urge people to test, particularly as numbers rise.

But beyond the at-home test kits, lab PCR tests have become more challenging to access – and in some cases more expensive – since the national public health emergency ended in May.

Antigen and PCR testing is still available at major pharmacies, like Walgreens, for example, but out of pocket costs could apply, depending on your insurance provider.

New COVID guidelines are reportedly in the works and it could mean the removal of the five-day isolation period for those who test positive.

In a new report from The Washington Post, citing “four agency officials and an expert familiar with the discussions,” the U.S. health agency is preparing to loosen its COVID isolation recommendations for the first time since 2021.

According to the report, multiple sources said the CDC plans to recommend that those who test positive for the virus can base their isolation time on symptoms, with the new guidance allowing those who have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and who have mild symptoms that are improving to end isolation. Some exceptions could still see longer isolation requirements, however, particularly for those in health care settings or who work with vulnerable populations.

The CDC told NBC Chicago there were “no updates to COVID guidelines to announce at this time.”

“We will continue to make decisions based on the best evidence and science to keep communities healthy and safe,” spokesperson Dave Daigle said.

The Washington Post report notes that the new guidance is not yet finalized and changes could still be made. Initial timing was expected to see the new protocols released for public feedback in April, though that timing could also change.

The current guidance has been in place since 2021, though reports of potential updates had surfaced last fall before respiratory viruses began surging in the colder months.

Last month, California announced new isolation guidelines similar to the potential update from the CDC.

There, a person who tests positive for COVID and has no symptoms does not need to isolate, according to new state health guidelines. People who test positive and have mild symptoms, meanwhile, can end isolation once their symptoms improve and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication — even if that point arrives in less than five days.

“We are now at a different point in time with reduced impacts from COVID-19 compared to prior years due to broad immunity from vaccination and/or natural infection, and readily available treatments available for infected people,” the California Health Department said in a news release.

“Our policies and priorities for intervention are now focused on protecting those most at risk for serious illness, while reducing social disruption that is disproportionate to recommendations for prevention of other endemic respiratory viral infections,” it added.

Nationally, COVID-19 illnesses seem to have peaked alongside flu, data showed, though experts cautioned that things could change on a regional level. CDC data indicates coronavirus-caused hospitalizations haven’t hit the same levels they did at the same point during the last three winters, but COVID-19 is putting more people in the hospital than flu.

Here’s a look at the current guidelines and where things stand:

What are the current COVID protocols?

The guidelines for isolating have not changed since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here are the protocols listed by the agency:

Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19, the CDC reports.

You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If your results are negative, you can end that isolation.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home. The CDC notes that people are “likely most infectious during these first five days.”

When you have COVID-19, isolation is counted in days, as follows:

If you had no symptoms:

• Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)
• Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
• If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset

If you had symptoms:

• Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive
• Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started

Other guidance for those who test positive:

• Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
• Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
• Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
• Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you had no symptoms, you can end your isolation after day five, but for those who experience symptoms, that line might be different, the CDC notes.

Those who have mild symptoms can end isolation after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medication, but those with more moderate or severe illnesses will need to wait until day 10.

Those who have mild symptoms that are not improving should also wait until those symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Those with more severe illness may also want to consult with their doctor before ending isolation and could need a viral test to end their isolation period.

Despite ending isolation, those who test positive should continue to avoid people and mask through at least day 11, according to the CDC guidelines.

What to know about testing?

Those who have symptoms are urged to take a COVID test as soon as possible, though officials continue to caution that a negative at-home test may not be as reliable as a positive one.

“If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can,” the CDC states.

Those who don’t have symptoms but may have been exposed should wait five days after exposure to take a test, according to the CDC guidance.

While many Americans may have unused tests in their homes, it’s important to check the expiration dates, experts say.

The Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of many popular at-home test products, which means some such kits may still be safe to use, CNBC reports. You can check expiration dates for each brand using a page on the FDA’s website.

Public health experts have continued to urge people to test, particularly as numbers rise.

But beyond the at-home test kits, lab PCR tests have become more challenging to access – and in some cases more expensive – since the national public health emergency ended in May.

Antigen and PCR testing is still available at major pharmacies, like Walgreens, for example, but out of pocket costs could apply, depending on your insurance provider.

The recommendations include things like increased masking and screening, particularly for areas where more vulnerable patients are being treated.

The updated alert comes as the number of counties listed at a “high” COVID hospitalization level doubled from five to 10 in the last week, with another 41 counties at a medium level, according to the CDC’s national COVID Data Tracker.

The state saw hospitalizations for COVID-19 alone jump 22% over the previous week, with 1,225 new hospitalizations reported.

On top of COVID, health officials noted that “RSV is causing a heavy burden of pediatric hospitalizations and the percent of lab tests that are positive for RSV have been rising for 10 consecutive weeks.”

The department said that while COVID is behind the largest number of hospitalizations when it comes to respiratory viruses, flu and RSV are also playing a role.

“With the alarming rise in respiratory viruses we are seeing across the state and the country, IDPH is recommending healthcare facilities take precautions to reduce the spread of these viruses and protect their patients, staffs and visitors,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement. “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.”

According to IDPH, hospitals and health care facilities are being told to follow CDC guidance and implement “facility-wide masking in counties that have high levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

“In addition, in counties with increased incidence of respiratory illness in the community, hospitals are advised to  screen staff and visitors for symptoms of respiratory viruses; to remind visitors entering patient rooms about hand hygiene and cough etiquette; and to encourage those with respiratory symptoms (such as fever, cough or sore throat) to defer non-urgent hospital visits and get tested for respiratory viruses before in-person visits or use telehealth services if possible,” the department said.

Last week, illinois launched a new surveillance dashboard that allows people to track weekly updates on hospital visits, seasonal trends and lab test positivity.

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The answer depends on several factors.

As of Friday, 44 counties in Illinois were at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. In all, 39 counties were at a medium level and five were under the “high” alert as the state saw a 20% increase in hospitalizations within the last week, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

So how long could you spread the virus if you test positive?

The CDC’s guidelines for isolating have not changed since May.

Regardless of vaccination status, those who test positive should isolate from others for at least five days and isolate from others in your home, the CDC reports. You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results, the guidelines state.

To calculate the number of days you should isolate, the CDC has a guide:

If you had no symptoms:

• Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)
• Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
• If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset

If you had symptoms:

• Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive
• Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started

If you had no symptoms, you can end your isolation after day five, but for those who experience symptoms, that line might be different, the CDC notes.

Those who have mild symptoms can end isolation after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medication, but those with more moderate or severe illnesses will need to wait until day 10.

Those who have mild symptoms that are not improving should also wait until those symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Others with more severe illness may also want to consult with their doctor before ending isolation and could need a viral test to end their isolation period.

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Despite ending isolation, those who test positive should continue to avoid people and mask through at least day 11, according to the CDC guidelines.

Before determining your isolation time, you’ll need to take a COVID test.

Those who have symptoms are urged to get tested as soon as possible, though officials continue to caution that a negative at-home test may not be as reliable as a positive one.

“If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can,” according to the CDC’s website.

Those who don’t have symptoms but may have been exposed should wait five days after exposure to take a test, according to the CDC guidance.

While many Americans may have unused tests in their homes, it’s important to check the expiration dates, experts say.

The Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of many popular at-home test products, which means some such kits may still be safe to use, CNBC reports. You can check expiration dates for each brand using a page on the FDA’s website.

According to information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 10 Illinois counties are considered to be at a “medium” level of COVID hospital admissions, indicating increasing cases within those communities.

Of those, only one is in the NBC Chicago viewing area, with Kankakee County reporting a 233% increase in admissions over the last week.

In all, there were 20 new admissions for COVID to hospitals in Kankakee and Iroquois counties, officials said.

Another area of concern is in Fayette and Effingham County, which have seen nine new COVID admissions, a massive increase over the previous week.

According to the CDC data, any community seeing 10 new COVID admissions per 100,000 residents is considered to be at a “medium” level of hospitalizations, and residents in those areas are urged to use increased caution to help tamp down the spread of the virus.

Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties have seen a 43% increase in admissions to 11 per 100,000 residents, while Edgar and Vermilion County have seen an increase of 66.7% in admissions in the last week.

Most of the state, 92 of the 102 counties in Illinois, remain at a “low” level of hospitalizations, the CDC says. Cook County has reported 336 new admissions related to COVID this week, marking a 2.4% increase.

Here are the rest of the numbers from around the area.

McHenry/Lake/Cook/DuPage: 336 new admissions, 4.7 admissions per 100,000 residents

DeKalb/Kane/Kendall: 25 new admissions, 3.3 new admissions per 100,000 residents

LaSalle County: 6 new admissions, 3.3 new admissions per 100,000 residents

Will/Grundy: 22 new admissions, 3 new admissions per 100,000 residents

The answer depends on several factors.

Currently, multiple mutations of the omicron COVID-19 variant are circulating in the United States. The Illinois Department of Public Health warned late last month that COVID cases are on the rise in the state.

So how long could you spread the virus if you test positive?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for isolating have not changed since May.

Regardless of vaccination status, those who test positive should isolate from others for at least five days and isolate from others in your home, the CDC reports. You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results, the guidelines state.

To calculate the number of days you should isolate, the CDC has a guide:

If you had no symptoms:

• Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)
• Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
• If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset

If you had symptoms:

• Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive
• Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started

If you had no symptoms, you can end your isolation after day five, but for those who experience symptoms, that line might be different, the CDC notes.

Those who have mild symptoms can end isolation after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medication, but those with more moderate or severe illnesses will need to wait until day 10.

Those who have mild symptoms that are not improving should also wait until those symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Those with more severe illness may also want to consult with their doctor before ending isolation and could need a viral test to end their isolation period.

Despite ending isolation, those who test positive should continue to avoid people and mask through at least day 11, according to the CDC guidelines.

Before determining your isolation time, you’ll need to test.

Those who have symptoms are urged to take a COVID test as soon as possible, though officials continue to caution that a negative at-home test may not be as reliable as a positive one.

“If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can,” the CDC states.

Those who don’t have symptoms but may have been exposed should wait five days after exposure to take a test, according to the CDC guidance.

While many Americans may have unused tests in their homes, it’s important to check the expiration dates, experts say.

The Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of many popular at-home test products, which means some such kits may still be safe to use, CNBC reports. You can check expiration dates for each brand using a page on the FDA’s website.

With more people testing positive for COVID once again, it can be challenging to know if your symptoms are simply seasonal allergies or something more.

Currently, multiple mutations of the omicron COVID-19 variant are making their way through the United States. The Illinois Department of Public Health warned late last month that COVID cases are on the rise in the state.

So when you should test and how often?

Those who have symptoms are urged to take a COVID test as soon as possible, though officials continue to caution that a negative at-home test may not be as reliable as a positive one.

“If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can,” the CDC states.

Those who don’t have symptoms but may have been exposed should wait five days after exposure to take a test, according to the CDC guidance.

While many Americans may have unused tests in their homes, it’s important to check the expiration dates, experts say.

The Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of many popular at-home test products, which means some such kits may still be safe to use, CNBC reports. You can check expiration dates for each brand using a page on the FDA’s website.

Public health experts have continued to urge people to test, particularly as numbers rise.

But beyond the at-home test kits, lab PCR tests have become more challenging to access – and in some cases more expensive – since the national public health emergency ended in May.

Antigen and PCR testing is still available at major pharmacies, like Walgreens, for example, but out of pocket costs could apply, depending on your insurance provider.

The timeline for COVID is dependent on a number of factors.

Currently, multiple mutations of the omicron COVID-19 variant are making their way through the United States. The Illinois Department of Public Health warned late last month that COVID cases are on the rise in the state.

For those who contract the virus, here are some timing guidelines to note:

COVID timing

The guidelines for isolating have not changed since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here are the protocols listed by the agency:

Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19, the CDC reports. You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. 

If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home. The CDC notes that people are “likely most infectious during these first five days.”

When you have COVID-19, isolation is counted in days, as follows:

If you had no symptoms:

• Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)
• Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
• If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset

If you had symptoms:

• Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive
• Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started

If you had no symptoms, you can end your isolation after day five, but for those who experience symptoms, that line might be different, the CDC notes.

Those who have mild symptoms can end isolation after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medication, but those with more moderate or severe illnesses will need to wait until day 10.

Those who have mild symptoms that are not improving should also wait until those symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Those with more severe illness may also want to consult with their doctor before ending isolation and could need a viral test to end their isolation period.

Despite ending isolation, those who test positive should continue to avoid people and mask through at least day 11, according to the CDC guidelines.

Testing timing

Those who have symptoms are urged to take a COVID test as soon as possible, though officials continue to caution that a negative at-home test may not be as reliable as a positive one.

“If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can,” the CDC states.

Those who don’t have symptoms but may have been exposed should wait five days after exposure to take a test, according to the CDC guidance.

While many Americans may have unused tests in their homes, it’s important to check the expiration dates, experts say.

The Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of many popular at-home test products, which means some such kits may still be safe to use, CNBC reports. You can check expiration dates for each brand using a page on the FDA’s website.

Symptom timing

First, in order to know symptom timing, you’ll need to know the symptoms of COVID.

Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University, told TODAY.com that there was no data on symptoms associated with BA.2.86 infections because the case numbers are just too small.

EG.5, meanwhile, also known as “Eris,” is likely more transmissible than the previously-dominant XBB.1.16 variant, according to experts at Yale Medicine. According to Yale officials, EG.5 has a spike protein mutation that allows it to evade some immunity acquired from infection or vaccination, but officials do not believe it causes more-severe illness in most cases.

It typically causes symptoms in a patient’s upper-respiratory tract, including runny nose, sore throat, and other cold-like symptoms. Fever can occur, as can changes in taste and smell.

In patients with compromised immune systems, or those 65 and older, the virus can still cause issues in lower parts of the respiratory tract, which can lead more severe illness.

If you do suspect you’ve contracted COVID, here are some symptoms you might experience:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Altered sense of smell

As for timing, symptoms can last for several days, but in some cases, even longer.

“Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions (PCC),” according to the CDC.

Such symptoms can last for weeks and possibly even years.

Already, the rise in both cases and hospitalizations has led to changes in protocols for some as new strains continue their spread.

Multiple mutations of the omicron COVID-19 variant are making their way through the United States. The Illinois Department of Public Health warned late last month that COVID cases are on the rise in the state.

Here’s what to know if you think you have COVID or you have tested positive for the virus:

What are the current COVID protocols?

The guidelines for isolating have not changed since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here are the protocols listed by the agency:

Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19, the CDC reports.

You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If your results are negative, you can end that isolation.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home. The CDC notes that people are “likely most infectious during these first five days.”

When you have COVID-19, isolation is counted in days, as follows:

If you had no symptoms:

• Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)
• Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
• If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset

If you had symptoms:

• Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive
• Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started

Other guidance for those who test positive:

• Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
• Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
• Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
• Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you had no symptoms, you can end your isolation after day five, but for those who experience symptoms, that line might be different, the CDC notes.

Those who have mild symptoms can end isolation after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medication, but those with more moderate or severe illnesses will need to wait until day 10.

Those who have mild symptoms that are not improving should also wait until those symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Those with more severe illness may also want to consult with their doctor before ending isolation and could need a viral test to end their isolation period.

Despite ending isolation, those who test positive should continue to avoid people and mask through at least day 11, according to the CDC guidelines.

What to know about testing?

Those who have symptoms are urged to take a COVID test as soon as possible, though officials continue to caution that a negative at-home test may not be as reliable as a positive one.

“If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can,” the CDC states.

Those who don’t have symptoms but may have been exposed should wait five days after exposure to take a test, according to the CDC guidance.

While many Americans may have unused tests in their homes, it’s important to check the expiration dates, experts say.

The Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of many popular at-home test products, which means some such kits may still be safe to use, CNBC reports. You can check expiration dates for each brand using a page on the FDA’s website.

Public health experts have continued to urge people to test, particularly as numbers rise.

But beyond the at-home test kits, lab PCR tests have become more challenging to access – and in some cases more expensive – since the national public health emergency ended in May.

Antigen and PCR testing is still available at major pharmacies, like Walgreens, for example, but out of pocket costs could apply, depending on your insurance provider.

Which COVID variant is circulating right now?

EG.5 remains the predominant strain of COVID spreading in the U.S., but another new variant is rising in some locations and leading to new concerns — the BA.2.86, which has been nicknamed “Pirola.”

A newly designed version of Omicron, BA.2.86 has more than 30 mutations to its spike protein, a higher number compared to previously detected Omicron subvariants, according to Yale Medicine. While cases have surfaced in the U.S. and five other countries, they don’t appear to be related, which is especially concerning for health officials.

Since “Pirola” has so many mutations, medical experts question if it has the potential to bypass immune defenses both from natural infection and prior vaccination, said Dr. Scott Roberts, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist.

“The biggest concern has been the number of mutation differences with BA.2.86,” he said. “When we went from XBB.1.5 to EG.5, that was maybe one or two mutations, and they were expected. With every respiratory virus, as it spreads from person to person, it evolves gradually over time. But these massive shifts, which we also saw from Delta to Omicron, are worrisome.”

In a risk assessment dated Aug. 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there was no evidence that the variant was causing more severe illness, but noted that could potentially change over time. BA.2.86 has even been detected in wastewater, the assessment added. While the CDC didn’t specify where a specimen that tested positive was collected, authorities in New York City confirmed BA.2.86 was detected in its wastewater.

In Chicago, that isn’t the case, however. The Chicago Department of Public Health said on Wednesday that the variant hadn’t been found in its wastewater.

What are the symptoms associated with the latest COVID variants?

When it comes to symptoms, much remains unknown, health officials asserted.

Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University, told TODAY.com that there was no data on symptoms associated with BA.2.86 infections because the case numbers are just too small.

EG.5, meanwhile, also known as “Eris,” is likely more transmissible than the previously-dominant XBB.1.16 variant, according to experts at Yale Medicine. According to Yale officials, EG.5 has a spike protein mutation that allows it to evade some immunity acquired from infection or vaccination, but officials do not believe it causes more-severe illness in most cases.

It typically causes symptoms in a patient’s upper-respiratory tract, including runny nose, sore throat, and other cold-like symptoms. Fever can occur, as can changes in taste and smell.

In patients with compromised immune systems, or those 65 and older, the virus can still cause issues in lower parts of the respiratory tract, which can lead more severe illness.

If you do suspect you’ve contracted COVID, here are some symptoms you might experience:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Altered sense of smell

What can do you to treat your symptoms?

As is the case with other strains, existing tests and medications used to treat COVID-19 “appear to be effective” with treating newer strains, according to the CDC.

What about the new fall booster shots?

A new booster shot currently being formulated by Moderna, Pfizer and Novovax will specifically target the XBB.1.5 subvariant, and is expected to boost immunity to the now-dominant EG.5 as well, according to officials.

That new booster should be available in the coming weeks, according to experts.

The Food and Drug Administration plans to greenlight updated versions of the COVID-19 booster as early as Friday, according to four people familiar with the agency’s plans.

Though the particular strain targeted by the new formulas is no longer dominant, the boosters should still provide protection against current circulating subvariants, which are closely related, the drugmakers and experts say.

The Friday timeline for authorization is not firm and could slide into early next week, two of the sources said.

Should you wear a mask now?

Already, some U.S. schools and businesses have started bringing back mask mandates.

But in a statement to NBC Chicago, the CDC said its “advice for individual and community actions around COVID-19 is tied to hospital admission levels, which are currently low for more than 97 percent of the country.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health has also not indicated the potential for returns of masking guidance from a state level.

Yet, “masks still provide good protection,” Dr. Andrew Pavia, chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Utah and director of hospital epidemiology at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, told CNBC. “People at substantial risk need to be thinking about using masks again, and it’s not a terrible decision for anyone who wants to reduce their risk.”

Experts say masking will likely be done more on a voluntary basis going forward, based on an individual’s personal health or the activities they are doing.

“For people who have underlying health conditions that would put them at higher risk if they got COVID, or for people who are in sort of older age brackets … those are individuals that really might want to consider beginning to wear masks, and particularly in crowded settings, because COVID seems to be on the rise, and these are people that if they did get COVID, they, you know, might be more likely to have a severe case,” Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer at the Association of State and Territory Health Officials, told NBC Chicago.

With COVID cases rising and allergy season heightening in the Chicago area, it can be challenging to know what’s what.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should know and how to tell if it’s a cold, allergies or possibly coronavirus:

Which allergens are high right now?

According to Dr. Rachna Shah, an allergist, molds and weeds have been particularly high over the last month or so.

“Molds have been the ones that have really been fluctuating and that’s really because if it’s hot and humid outside the mold counts go up,” Shah said. “But like last week, it was in the 60s and it was a little cooler. The molds dramatically went down, which was a nice break for our mold sufferers.”

The one behind many allergy sufferers symptoms right now, however, is weeds, according to Shah.

“We had a big burst at the beginning of the season, which was around beginning of August. And then it’s gradually been trending trending up, I would say, when it comes to ragweed and other weeds and so those have been really high right now,” Shah said.

Which COVID variant is circulating right now?

EG.5 remains the predominant strain of COVID spreading in the U.S., but another new variant is rising in some locations and leading to new concerns — the BA.2.86, which has been nicknamed “Pirola.”

A newly designed version of Omicron, BA.2.86 has more than 30 mutations to its spike protein, a higher number compared to previously detected Omicron subvariants, according to Yale Medicine. While cases have surfaced in the U.S. and five other countries, they don’t appear to be related, which is especially concerning for health officials.

Since “Pirola” has so many mutations, medical experts question if it has the potential to bypass immune defenses both from natural infection and prior vaccination, said Dr. Scott Roberts, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist.

“The biggest concern has been the number of mutation differences with BA.2.86,” he said. “When we went from XBB.1.5 to EG.5, that was maybe one or two mutations, and they were expected. With every respiratory virus, as it spreads from person to person, it evolves gradually over time. But these massive shifts, which we also saw from Delta to Omicron, are worrisome.”

In a risk assessment dated Aug. 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there was no evidence that the variant was causing more severe illness, but noted that could potentially change over time. BA.2.86 has even been detected in wastewater, the assessment added. While the CDC didn’t specify where a specimen that tested positive was collected, authorities in New York City confirmed BA.2.86 was detected in its wastewater.

In Chicago, that isn’t the case, however. The Chicago Department of Public Health said on Wednesday that the variant hadn’t been found in its wastewater.

What are the symptoms associated with the latest COVID variants?

When it comes to symptoms, much remains unknown, health officials asserted.

Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University, told TODAY.com that there was no data on symptoms associated with BA.2.86 infections because the case numbers are just too small.

EG.5, meanwhile, also known as “Eris,” is likely more transmissible than the previously-dominant XBB.1.16 variant, according to experts at Yale Medicine. According to Yale officials, EG.5 has a a spike protein mutation that allows it to evade some immunity acquired from infection or vaccination, but officials do not believe it causes more-severe illness in most cases.

It typically causes symptoms in a patient’s upper-respiratory tract, including runny nose, sore throat, and other cold-like symptoms. Fever can occur, as can changes in taste and smell.

In patients with compromised immune systems, or those 65 and older, the virus can still cause issues in lower parts of the respiratory tract, which can lead more severe illness.

If you do suspect you’ve contracted COVID, here are some symptoms you might experience:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Altered sense of smell

How can you tell the difference between COVID and allergy symptoms?

While there is plenty of overlapping symptoms between COVID and allergies or a cold, Shah noted that some COVID symptoms aren’t as likely with allergies.

Those include things like fevers, achiness or fatigue, and green or yellow mucus, all of which are more associated with colds or COVID.

The real way to tell the difference is to take a COVID test, however.

What can do you to treat your symptoms?

COVID

As is the case with other strains, existing tests and medications used to treat COVID-19 “appear to be effective” with treating BA.2.86, according to the CDC.

The good news? A new booster shot currently being formulated by Moderna, Pfizer and Novovax will specifically target the XBB.1.5 subvariant, and is expected to boost immunity to EG.5 as well, according to officials.

That new booster should be available in the coming weeks, according to experts.

Allergies

According to Shah, the best thing to do is avoid allergens where possible.

“Keeping windows closed as much as possible during this time of year – though I know on these 60-degree days it’s a little challenging to do that – but keeping windows closed if you go outside for more than a couple hours, rinsing off, changing clothes, taking a shower to rinse off all that pollen and mold spores that can kind of stick to us. Those are really the biggest avoidance measures that we can do,” she said.

There are also medications that can help.

“Medications include antihistamines, like Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, that help with itchy symptoms or runny symptoms,” Shah said.

“I would say definitely use the generic ones. They’re exactly the same active ingredients,” Shah said. “So there’s a few people who may have intolerances to the inactive ingredients or other things like that, but for most people, the generic works just as well as the name brand and usually it’s a lot more cost effective too and especially if you have to take it consistently that’s what matters.

Shah noted that some nasal sprays are steroids, which can help decrease inflammation in the nose, but those may take up to a week to kick in.

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A newly designed version of Omicron, BA.2.86 has more than 30 mutations to its spike protein, a higher number compared to previously detected Omicron subvariants, according to Yale Medicine. While cases have surfaced in the U.S. and five other countries, they don’t appear to be related, which is especially concerning for health officials.

Since “Pirola” has so many mutations, medical experts question if it has the potential to bypass immune defenses both from natural infection and prior vaccination, said Dr. Scott Roberts, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist.

“The biggest concern has been the number of mutation differences with BA.2.86,” he said. “When we went from XBB.1.5 to EG.5, that was maybe one or two mutations, and they were expected. With every respiratory virus, as it spreads from person to person, it evolves gradually over time. But these massive shifts, which we also saw from Delta to Omicron, are worrisome.”

In a risk assessment dated Aug. 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there was no evidence that the variant was causing more severe illness, but noted that could potentially change over time. BA.2.86 has even been detected in wastewater, the assessment added. While the CDC didn’t specify where a specimen that tested positive was collected, authorities in New York City confirmed BA.2.86 was detected in its wastewater.

In Chicago, that isn’t the case, however. The Chicago Department of Public Health said on Wednesday that the variant hadn’t been found in its wastewater.

When it comes to symptoms, much remains unknown, health officials asserted.

Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University, told TODAY.com that there was no data on symptoms associated with BA.2.86 infections because the case numbers are just too small.

But if you do suspect you’ve contracted COVID, here are some symptoms you might experience:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Altered sense of smell

As is the case with other strains, existing tests and medications used to treat COVID-19 “appear to be effective” with treating BA.2.86, according to the CDC.

EG.5, meanwhile, also known as “Eris,” is likely more transmissible than the previously-dominant XBB.1.16 variant, according to experts at Yale Medicine. According to Yale officials, EG.5 has a a spike protein mutation that allows it to evade some immunity acquired from infection or vaccination, but officials do not believe it causes more-severe illness in most cases.

However, some may wonder if it causes any unique symptoms from other Omicron variants.

The answer, at least for now, appears to be no, according to the CDC and to Yale Medicine. It typically causes symptoms in a patient’s upper-respiratory tract, including runny nose, sore throat, and other cold-like symptoms.

Fever can occur, as can changes in taste and smell.

In patients with compromised immune systems, or those 65 and older, the virus can still cause issues in lower parts of the respiratory tract, which can lead more severe illness.

The good news? A new booster shot currently being formulated by Moderna, Pfizer and Novovax will specifically target the XBB.1.5 subvariant, and is expected to boost immunity to EG.5 as well, according to officials.

That new booster should be available in the coming weeks, according to experts.

Currently, the dominant strain in the U.S. is the EG.5 subvariant, which is responsible for nearly 21% of new cases in recent weeks, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Another omicron-spinoff, known as FL 1.5.1, is also increasing quickly, making up 13.3% of new cases, nearly double what it was responsible for a week ago.

Here is what we currently know about EG.5 and FL 1.5.1.

Both subvariants are descendants of XBB, with a mutation that is helping them spread more quickly than other variants, officials tell CBS News.

That development holds in line with previous versions of the virus, which typically mutate to find new ways around the immunity gained from vaccines or previous infections, according to CDC officials.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms with EG.5 are nearly identical to previous omicron strains, according to the CDC.

Those symptoms typically mirror those of colds or the flu, and include cough, headache, muscle ache, runny nose, fatigue and fever. Loss of taste or smell can also occur, but isn’t as prevalent as earlier strains.

While most infections typically remain in the upper respiratory tract, they can also impact areas further into the body, especially in those with compromised immune systems. Those cases tend to be more serious and could require additional treatment.

Is there concern that they are causing more severe illness?

The WHO, which declared EG.5 a “variant of interest,” says that it has not observed any increase in illness severity with the new subvariant at this time.

Hospitalizations have begun to rise however, with more cases being reported across the U.S. as summer nears its end and as fall begins. That is also occurring in Illinois, where there has been “rising COVID activity” in recent weeks, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Will new COVID vaccines work against these variants?

According to the CDC, vaccines still have some efficacy against the new strains, but a newer version of the formula will soon be rolled out across the U.S.

The new vaccine doses are expected to be available sometime in September, with the FDA meeting next month to give its approval of the new monovalent treatments.

According to studies conducted by Moderna, the new formulation is effective against the newer omicron subvariants, as it has been designed to target XBB 1.5, which followed the devastating BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants that ravaged the U.S. last year.

The EG.5 strain of the virus, a descendent of Omicron, is making up just over 20% of cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization has declared it a “variant of interest,” according to officials.

Also known as “Eris,” the strain is likely more transmissible than the previously-dominant XBB.1.16 variant, according to experts at Yale Medicine. According to Yale officials, a spike protein mutation means it may be able to evade some immunity acquired from infection or vaccination, but officials do not believe it causes more-severe illness in most cases.

The question then is this: does it cause any unique symptoms from other Omicron variants?

The answer, at least for now, appears to be no, according to the CDC and to Yale Medicine. It typically causes symptoms in a patient’s upper-respiratory tract, including runny nose, sore throat, and other cold-like symptoms.

Fever can occur, as can changes in taste and smell.

In patients with compromised immune systems, or those 65 and older, the virus can still cause issues in lower parts of the respiratory tract, which can lead more severe illness.

The good news? A new booster shot currently being formulated by Moderna, Pfizer and Novovax will specifically target the XBB.1.5 subvariant, and is expected to boost immunity to EG.5 as well, according to officials.

That new booster should be available in the coming weeks, according to experts.

Chicago’s top doctor said the pandemic is not over, but the move will mark a new phase.

“We are in a different phase,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said. “We really have moved out of the emergency phase. That declaration on Thursday marks a date, but it really does mark a point where the scientists are feeling confident that we have the tools.”

The national emergency allowed the government to take sweeping steps to respond to the virus and support the country’s economic, health and welfare systems. Some of the emergency measures have already been successfully wound-down, while others are still being phased out.

More than 1.13 million people in the U.S. have died from COVID-19 over the last three years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Then-President Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar first declared a public health emergency on Jan. 31, 2020, and Trump declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency that March. The emergencies have been repeatedly extended by Biden since he took office in January 2021, and he broadened the use of emergency powers after entering the White House.

Last week, the World Health Organization downgraded its assessment of the coronavirus pandemic, saying it no longer qualifies as a global emergency.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the pandemic has been “on a downward trend for more than a year, with population immunity increasing from vaccination and infection.” That, he said, has allowed most countries “to return to life as we knew it before COVID-19,” meaning that the worst part of the pandemic is over.

But Arwady said that comes with “a slight caveat.”

“There is always the possibility that COVID itself could change and could lead to another significant surge,” she said. “With every single day, month that passes, I feel more and more confident that that we are sort of in a waning stage but the big question here is does it all stay omicron? As long as it all stays omicron and all of the subvariants of omicron that we’re seeing, we have the immunity at this point as a species, we have the tools, we have the treatments. But if we see COVID mutate again, we see another new variant of concern, that could be the setting in which we saw another potential big surge. I don’t think that is likely but I also cannot rule it out.”

Dr. Sameer Vohra, the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health also cautioned that the virus has not disappeared.

“If you’re in a vulnerable group, it’s still important to be and use those protective measures as much as possible, to protect yourself, protect your loved ones. But I think it’s a good moment for us to say that you know, we’re a new normal and we’re writing new chapters in the story of public health,” Vohra told NBC Chicago last week.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the CEO of Sinai Chicago and former Director of the IDPH, echoed a similar sentiment, calling the declaration a confirmation of a transition past the pandemic.

“We’ve been feeling that change, you know, probably for [several] months up to a year. And so really being able to understand that doesn’t mean that the virus has gone into a cave to never be seen again. But that you know, we have to think of it as other infectious diseases that we have to deal with and live with and, you know, live accordingly,” Ezike said.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker noted that while Thursday “marks the official end of our state’s emergency declarations, we are taking this moment to ensure that we learn lessons from the pandemic experience so we can prepare for the future and save lives in the years ahead.”

So what will this mean for the Chicago area?

Changes in Data Reporting

Illinois health officials announced that community level data for each county in the state will no longer be reported after the end of the federal emergency on May 11. Additionally, hospitals will no longer be required to report the number of patients who are in the ICU or on ventilators with COVID-19.

State health officials will continue to report COVID-19 hospital admissions, cases, deaths and weekly vaccination data after the end of the federal emergency, with wastewater surveillance continuing to monitor COVID-19 and influenza.

Data on COVID-19 and the flu in Illinois will also continue to be reported via the Illinois Wastewater Surveillance System dashboard.

Changes for COVID Testing and Vaccines

The expiration of the emergencies particularly spell upcoming changes for costs related to COVID-19 treatment, vaccines and testing, as private insurance companies will no longer be required to cover care and testing free of charge.

Illinois health officials note, however, that the changes will be made over several months.

Chicago-area health officials said COVID-19 vaccines will remain available for all Chicagoans ages 6 months and up at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, hospitals, community health centers, city-operated clinics and the mobile CareVan in Chicago.

For as long as the city’s supply of federally purchased COVID-19 vaccines remain available, all vaccines will be free to Chicagoans, regardless of insurance coverage.

While at-home antigen tests and lab-based PCR tests will continue to be available around Chicago, they will no longer be at no cost to everyone.

While Medicare and Medicaid will continue to cover the costs of PCR tests, private insurance companies may require co-pays for them.

Select pharmacies and health clinics will continue to offer free PCR tests through funding from CDC for those without insurance. 

The state of Illinois said it will continue to offer at-home rapid tests to households in economically disadvantaged communities through June 30.

John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County said it will continue holding community COVID-19 vaccinations and tests, which will go through insurance providers for those who have it and will remain free for those who don’t.

Residents can also check the CDC’s No Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator to find locations participating in the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program.

COVID Healthcare and Medicaid

Coverage for COVID-19-related care will likely be largely dependent on an individual’s health insurance coverage, and those who are insured are encouraged to contact their health insurance provider to learn about changes in their coverage.

For those covered by the Medicaid program, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced the launch of a Ready to Renew campaign aimed at making sure Illinoisans who are enrolled in Medicaid don’t lose coverage due to the expiration of the automatic renewal provisions put in place during the public health emergency.

“In Illinois, there will not be a ‘coverage cliff,’ where everyone loses coverage at one time,” the governor’s office said in a release. “Rather, redeterminations will happen on a rolling basis through mid-2024.”

Medication to prevent severe COVID-19, such as Paxlovid, will remain available for free while supplies last. After that, the price will be determined by the medication manufacturer and health insurance companies. COVID-19 treatments may then require a copay.

That variant, classified as XBB.1.16 by the World Health Organization, was designated as a “variant under monitoring” by the organization last month.

Otherwise known as “Arcturus,” the subvariant of omicron has been reported in more than two dozen countries, and has caused increases in cases in India, among other nations. In the United States, it is responsible for an estimated 9.6% of current cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials in India have said that the virus has caused fairly typical symptoms that mirror colds, but there’s potentially a new one: conjunctivitis, which can cause red, itchy eyes, or pink eye.

That symptom has been more prevalent among children and young adults, but it has afflicted adults as well, according to officials.

Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, said there is still some uncertainty over whether the variant is the source of the symptom, however.

“I don’t even know that it’s a decided thing that this subvariant definitely causes the red, itchy eyes,” she told NBC Chicago. “We see a lot of red, itchy eyes this time of year.”

While some may be tempted to dismiss that symptom because of seasonal allergies, Arwady said it’s prudent to at least take a COVID test to rule the illness out.

“If you’ve got red, itchy eyes, and you think it’s allergies or just a cold, just take a COVID test to be sure,” she said. “Overall, this is still all omicron, which is good news if you’re up-to-date with your COVID vaccines.”

There is not any evidence so far that the variant leads to more serious illness or increased hospitalizations, something that Arwady says shows the importance of being vaccinated.

“This is still at the lowest level where we’re keeping an eye on it, so it’s good for people to be aware,” Arwady said. “If you’ve had your most recent vaccines and you are up-to-date, you have the right protection, including against that subvariant.”

Higher levels of infectivity are being reported with newer variants, but overall they tend to be causing less-severe disease, which is likely the result of higher vaccination rates, higher rates of immunity from previous infection and lower pathogenicity of recent variants, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Overall levels of COVID in the United States, including in the Chicago area, remain low, but experts still advise residents to take proper precautions, including taking COVID tests if they experience symptoms and to wash hands frequently.

The move comes as the state aligns with federal changes this spring.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

What Biden and Pritzker Ending COVID Public Health Emergency Means for Chicago, According to City’s Top Doctor

Illinois’ Public Health Emergency for COVID to Lift Later This Spring, Pritzker Announces

Illinois will be joining the federal government in ending public health emergencies related to the coronavirus pandemic later this spring, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Tuesday.

According to the governor, the state’s public health emergency will end on May 11, “aligning the state with the federal government’s decision to end the national public health emergency.”

Read more here.

President Biden to End COVID-19 Emergencies on May 11

President Joe Biden informed Congress on Monday that he will end the twin national emergencies for addressing COVID-19 on May 11, as most of the world has returned closer to normalcy nearly three years after they were first declared.

The move to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations would formally restructure the federal coronavirus response to treat the virus as an endemic threat to public health that can be managed through agencies’ normal authorities.

Read more here.

Long COVID Has an ‘Underappreciated’ Role in Labor Shortage, Study Finds

Long COVID is keeping people out of work and may reduce on-the-job productivity for others, contributing to a labor shortage and weighing on the U.S. economy at large, according to a new study.

Long COVID— also known as long-haul COVID, post-COVID or post-acute COVID syndrome — is a chronic illness that results from a Covid-19 infection. Its potential symptoms number in the hundreds and, for some, can be debilitating and persist for years.

Read more here.

WHO Says COVID Remains a Global Emergency But Pandemic Could Near Its End in 2023

The World Health Organization on Monday said COVID-19 remains an global health emergency as the world enters the fourth year of the pandemic.

But WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was hopeful that the world will transition out of the emergency phase of the pandemic this year.

Read more here.

CDC Urges People With Weak Immune Systems to Take Extra Precautions After COVID Subvariants Knock Out Evusheld

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday urged people with weak immune systems to take extra precautions to avoid COVID after the dominant omicron subvariants knocked out a key antibody treatment.

These precautions include wearing a high quality mask and social distancing when it’s not possible to avoid crowded indoor spaces, according to the CDC.

Read more here.

Illinois COVID Community Levels Decline for Another Week as ‘Kraken’ Variant Concerns Remain

Community levels have improved within the past two weeks across Illinois, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, while health officials continue to closely monitor the spread of the more contagious “Kraken” variant.

According to CDC data, a total of 20 counties were at “medium” COVID status Friday, compared to 28 counties listed at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high” a week prior.

All of the counties in the Chicago area are listed in the “low” category, while there are clusters of counties at “medium” status listed in the eastern, northwestern and southern portions of the state.

Read more here.

FDA Withdraws COVID Antibody Treatment Evusheld Because It’s Not Effective Against 93% of Subvariants

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday pulled its authorization for AstraZeneca‘s Evusheld, an antibody injection that people with weak immune systems relied on for additional protection against COVID-19.

The FDA pulled Evusheld from the market because it is not effective against more than 90% of the COVID subvariants that are currently circulating in the U.S.

Read more here.

FDA’s Advisers Back Plan For Once-a-Year COVID Shots for Most Americans

The U.S. is poised to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like a yearly flu shot, a major shift in strategy despite a long list of questions about how to best protect against a still rapidly mutating virus.

The Food and Drug Administration asked its scientific advisers Thursday to help lay the groundwork for switching to once-a-year boosters for most Americans — and how and when to periodically update the shots’ recipe.

Read more here.

Omicron Booster Shots Provide Some Protection Against Mild Illness From Covid XBB Subvariants, CDC Says

Pfizer‘s and Moderna‘s omicron boosters reduced the risk of mild illness from the XBB family of subvariants compared to people who did not receive the shot, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Wednesday.

The CDC study provides the first estimate of the omicron shots’ real-world effectiveness against the XBB family of subvariants. Some scientists have warned the XBB subvariants could cause another Covid wave because they are so good at evading the antibodies that block infections.

Read more here.

Which Symptoms Are Associated With New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 as Midwest Cases Rise?

With the new and highly contagious XBB.1.5 COVID variant now making up nearly 50% of cases nationwide, and as cases in the Midwest rise, which symptoms should you be watching for?

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 nearly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 49.1% of cases in the U.S. and more than 23% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 43% and roughly 14% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

President Biden to End COVID-19 Emergencies on May 11

President Joe Biden informed Congress on Monday that he will end the twin national emergencies for addressing COVID-19 on May 11, as most of the world has returned closer to normalcy nearly three years after they were first declared.

The move to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations would formally restructure the federal coronavirus response to treat the virus as an endemic threat to public health that can be managed through agencies’ normal authorities.

Read more here.

Long COVID Has an ‘Underappreciated’ Role in Labor Shortage, Study Finds

Long COVID is keeping people out of work and may reduce on-the-job productivity for others, contributing to a labor shortage and weighing on the U.S. economy at large, according to a new study.

Long COVID— also known as long-haul COVID, post-COVID or post-acute COVID syndrome — is a chronic illness that results from a Covid-19 infection. Its potential symptoms number in the hundreds and, for some, can be debilitating and persist for years.

Read more here.

WHO Says COVID Remains a Global Emergency But Pandemic Could Near Its End in 2023

The World Health Organization on Monday said COVID-19 remains an global health emergency as the world enters the fourth year of the pandemic.

But WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was hopeful that the world will transition out of the emergency phase of the pandemic this year.

Read more here.

CDC Urges People With Weak Immune Systems to Take Extra Precautions After COVID Subvariants Knock Out Evusheld

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday urged people with weak immune systems to take extra precautions to avoid COVID after the dominant omicron subvariants knocked out a key antibody treatment.

These precautions include wearing a high quality mask and social distancing when it’s not possible to avoid crowded indoor spaces, according to the CDC.

Read more here.

Illinois COVID Community Levels Decline for Another Week as ‘Kraken’ Variant Concerns Remain

Community levels have improved within the past two weeks across Illinois, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, while health officials continue to closely monitor the spread of the more contagious “Kraken” variant.

According to CDC data, a total of 20 counties were at “medium” COVID status Friday, compared to 28 counties listed at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high” a week prior.

All of the counties in the Chicago area are listed in the “low” category, while there are clusters of counties at “medium” status listed in the eastern, northwestern and southern portions of the state.

Read more here.

FDA Withdraws COVID Antibody Treatment Evusheld Because It’s Not Effective Against 93% of Subvariants

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday pulled its authorization for AstraZeneca‘s Evusheld, an antibody injection that people with weak immune systems relied on for additional protection against COVID-19.

The FDA pulled Evusheld from the market because it is not effective against more than 90% of the COVID subvariants that are currently circulating in the U.S.

Read more here.

FDA’s Advisers Back Plan For Once-a-Year COVID Shots for Most Americans

The U.S. is poised to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like a yearly flu shot, a major shift in strategy despite a long list of questions about how to best protect against a still rapidly mutating virus.

The Food and Drug Administration asked its scientific advisers Thursday to help lay the groundwork for switching to once-a-year boosters for most Americans — and how and when to periodically update the shots’ recipe.

Read more here.

Omicron Booster Shots Provide Some Protection Against Mild Illness From Covid XBB Subvariants, CDC Says

Pfizer‘s and Moderna‘s omicron boosters reduced the risk of mild illness from the XBB family of subvariants compared to people who did not receive the shot, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Wednesday.

The CDC study provides the first estimate of the omicron shots’ real-world effectiveness against the XBB family of subvariants. Some scientists have warned the XBB subvariants could cause another Covid wave because they are so good at evading the antibodies that block infections.

Read more here.

Which Symptoms Are Associated With New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 as Midwest Cases Rise?

With the new and highly contagious XBB.1.5 COVID variant now making up nearly 50% of cases nationwide, and as cases in the Midwest rise, which symptoms should you be watching for?

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 nearly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 49.1% of cases in the U.S. and more than 23% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 43% and roughly 14% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

But experts are warning the immunocompromised as the new variant forced the end of a key antibody treatment.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

WHO Says COVID Remains a Global Emergency But Pandemic Could Near Its End in 2023

The World Health Organization on Monday said COVID-19 remains an global health emergency as the world enters the fourth year of the pandemic.

But WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was hopeful that the world will transition out of the emergency phase of the pandemic this year.

Read more here.

CDC Urges People With Weak Immune Systems to Take Extra Precautions After COVID Subvariants Knock Out Evusheld

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday urged people with weak immune systems to take extra precautions to avoid COVID after the dominant omicron subvariants knocked out a key antibody treatment.

These precautions include wearing a high quality mask and social distancing when it’s not possible to avoid crowded indoor spaces, according to the CDC.

Read more here.

Illinois COVID Community Levels Decline for Another Week as ‘Kraken’ Variant Concerns Remain

Community levels have improved within the past two weeks across Illinois, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, while health officials continue to closely monitor the spread of the more contagious “Kraken” variant.

According to CDC data, a total of 20 counties were at “medium” COVID status Friday, compared to 28 counties listed at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high” a week prior.

All of the counties in the Chicago area are listed in the “low” category, while there are clusters of counties at “medium” status listed in the eastern, northwestern and southern portions of the state.

Read more here.

FDA Withdraws COVID Antibody Treatment Evusheld Because It’s Not Effective Against 93% of Subvariants

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday pulled its authorization for AstraZeneca‘s Evusheld, an antibody injection that people with weak immune systems relied on for additional protection against COVID-19.

The FDA pulled Evusheld from the market because it is not effective against more than 90% of the COVID subvariants that are currently circulating in the U.S.

Read more here.

FDA’s Advisers Back Plan For Once-a-Year COVID Shots for Most Americans

The U.S. is poised to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like a yearly flu shot, a major shift in strategy despite a long list of questions about how to best protect against a still rapidly mutating virus.

The Food and Drug Administration asked its scientific advisers Thursday to help lay the groundwork for switching to once-a-year boosters for most Americans — and how and when to periodically update the shots’ recipe.

Read more here.

Omicron Booster Shots Provide Some Protection Against Mild Illness From Covid XBB Subvariants, CDC Says

Pfizer‘s and Moderna‘s omicron boosters reduced the risk of mild illness from the XBB family of subvariants compared to people who did not receive the shot, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Wednesday.

The CDC study provides the first estimate of the omicron shots’ real-world effectiveness against the XBB family of subvariants. Some scientists have warned the XBB subvariants could cause another Covid wave because they are so good at evading the antibodies that block infections.

Read more here.

Which Symptoms Are Associated With New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 as Midwest Cases Rise?

With the new and highly contagious XBB.1.5 COVID variant now making up nearly 50% of cases nationwide, and as cases in the Midwest rise, which symptoms should you be watching for?

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 nearly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 49.1% of cases in the U.S. and more than 23% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 43% and roughly 14% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

The new numbers come as the FDA pushes for once-a-year COVID shots in the U.S.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

All of Chicago Area at Low COVID Community Level: CDC

All counties in the Chicago area are now at a low COVID alert level, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While some counties in Illinois do remain at an elevated “medium” community level for COVID, the majority of the state is now at a “low” level and no counties were at “high.”

FDA Withdraws COVID Antibody Treatment Evusheld Because It’s Not Effective Against 93% of Subvariants

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday pulled its authorization for AstraZeneca‘s Evusheld, an antibody injection that people with weak immune systems relied on for additional protection against COVID-19.

The FDA pulled Evusheld from the market because it is not effective against more than 90% of the COVID subvariants that are currently circulating in the U.S.

Read more here.

FDA’s Advisers Back Plan For Once-a-Year COVID Shots for Most Americans

The U.S. is poised to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like a yearly flu shot, a major shift in strategy despite a long list of questions about how to best protect against a still rapidly mutating virus.

The Food and Drug Administration asked its scientific advisers Thursday to help lay the groundwork for switching to once-a-year boosters for most Americans — and how and when to periodically update the shots’ recipe.

Read more here.

Omicron Booster Shots Provide Some Protection Against Mild Illness From Covid XBB Subvariants, CDC Says

Pfizer‘s and Moderna‘s omicron boosters reduced the risk of mild illness from the XBB family of subvariants compared to people who did not receive the shot, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Wednesday.

The CDC study provides the first estimate of the omicron shots’ real-world effectiveness against the XBB family of subvariants. Some scientists have warned the XBB subvariants could cause another Covid wave because they are so good at evading the antibodies that block infections.

Read more here.

Which Symptoms Are Associated With New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 as Midwest Cases Rise?

With the new and highly contagious XBB.1.5 COVID variant now making up nearly 50% of cases nationwide, and as cases in the Midwest rise, which symptoms should you be watching for?

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 nearly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 49.1% of cases in the U.S. and more than 23% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 43% and roughly 14% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

‘Kraken’ COVID Variant, XBB.1.5 Climbing in Midwest, Experts Say More Cases Expected

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 roughly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 43% of cases in the U.S. and more than 14% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 30.4% and roughly 7% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

New data was released as the XBB.1.5 variant quickly rises in dominance.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Omicron Booster Shots Provide Some Protection Against Mild Illness From Covid XBB Subvariants, CDC Says

Pfizer‘s and Moderna‘s omicron boosters reduced the risk of mild illness from the XBB family of subvariants compared to people who did not receive the shot, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Wednesday.

The CDC study provides the first estimate of the omicron shots’ real-world effectiveness against the XBB family of subvariants. Some scientists have warned the XBB subvariants could cause another Covid wave because they are so good at evading the antibodies that block infections.

Read more here.

US Proposes Once-a-Year COVID Shots for Most Americans

U.S. health officials want to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like the annual flu shot.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday proposed a simplified approach for future vaccination efforts, allowing most adults and children to get a once-a-year shot to protect against the mutating virus.

Read more here.

Illinois Reports Decline in COVID Case Numbers While ‘Kraken’ Variant Spreads in Midwest

Despite cases of the more contagious “Kraken” COVID-19 variant increasing in the Midwest, Illinois has seen a rather significant decline in new COVID cases over the past week, as well as improvements in counties’ community level status overall.

According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, as of Friday, a total of 28 counties Illinois were at an elevated COVID status, compared to 56 counties at either “medium” or “high” status a week prior.

Read more here.

Which Symptoms Are Associated With New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 as Midwest Cases Rise?

With the new and highly contagious XBB.1.5 COVID variant now making up nearly 50% of cases nationwide, and as cases in the Midwest rise, which symptoms should you be watching for?

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 nearly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 49.1% of cases in the U.S. and more than 23% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 43% and roughly 14% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

7 Counties at Elevated COVID Alert Levels in Chicago Area

Seven counties in the Chicago area remain at an elevated COVID alert level, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while a number have dropped to a “low” level.

Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Lake, McHenry and Will counties all remained at a “medium” community level, while DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle all dropped to the “low” level.

‘Kraken’ COVID Variant, XBB.1.5 Climbing in Midwest, Experts Say More Cases Expected

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 roughly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 43% of cases in the U.S. and more than 14% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 30.4% and roughly 7% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

A new proposal could make that the case.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

US Proposes Once-a-Year COVID Shots for Most Americans

U.S. health officials want to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like the annual flu shot.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday proposed a simplified approach for future vaccination efforts, allowing most adults and children to get a once-a-year shot to protect against the mutating virus.

Read more here.

Illinois Reports Decline in COVID Case Numbers While ‘Kraken’ Variant Spreads in Midwest

Despite cases of the more contagious “Kraken” COVID-19 variant increasing in the Midwest, Illinois has seen a rather significant decline in new COVID cases over the past week, as well as improvements in counties’ community level status overall.

According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, as of Friday, a total of 28 counties Illinois were at an elevated COVID status, compared to 56 counties at either “medium” or “high” status a week prior.

Read more here.

Which Symptoms Are Associated With New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 as Midwest Cases Rise?

With the new and highly contagious XBB.1.5 COVID variant now making up nearly 50% of cases nationwide, and as cases in the Midwest rise, which symptoms should you be watching for?

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 nearly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 49.1% of cases in the U.S. and more than 23% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 43% and roughly 14% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

7 Counties at Elevated COVID Alert Levels in Chicago Area

Seven counties in the Chicago area remain at an elevated COVID alert level, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while a number have dropped to a “low” level.

Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Lake, McHenry and Will counties all remained at a “medium” community level, while DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle all dropped to the “low” level.

‘Kraken’ COVID Variant, XBB.1.5 Climbing in Midwest, Experts Say More Cases Expected

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 roughly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 43% of cases in the U.S. and more than 14% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 30.4% and roughly 7% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

Plus, are symptoms different with the new variant?

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Illinois Reports Decline in COVID Case Numbers While ‘Kraken’ Variant Spreads in Midwest

Despite cases of the more contagious “Kraken” COVID-19 variant increasing in the Midwest, Illinois has seen a rather significant decline in new COVID cases over the past week, as well as improvements in counties’ community level status overall.

According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, as of Friday, a total of 28 counties Illinois were at an elevated COVID status, compared to 56 counties at either “medium” or “high” status a week prior.

Read more here.

Which Symptoms Are Associated With New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 as Midwest Cases Rise?

With the new and highly contagious XBB.1.5 COVID variant now making up nearly 50% of cases nationwide, and as cases in the Midwest rise, which symptoms should you be watching for?

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 nearly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 49.1% of cases in the U.S. and more than 23% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 43% and roughly 14% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

7 Counties at Elevated COVID Alert Levels in Chicago Area

Seven counties in the Chicago area remain at an elevated COVID alert level, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while a number have dropped to a “low” level.

Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Lake, McHenry and Will counties all remained at a “medium” community level, while DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle all dropped to the “low” level.

‘Kraken’ COVID Variant, XBB.1.5 Climbing in Midwest, Experts Say More Cases Expected

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 roughly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 43% of cases in the U.S. and more than 14% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 30.4% and roughly 7% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

As the virus continues to mutate and become even more contagious, there are some guidelines experts are urging.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

7 Counties at Elevated COVID Alert Levels in Chicago Area

Seven counties in the Chicago area remain at an elevated COVID alert level, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while a number have dropped to a “low” level.

Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Lake, McHenry and Will counties all remained at a “medium” community level, while DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle all dropped to the “low” level.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell Tests Positive for COVID

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has tested positive for COVID-19, the central bank announced Wednesday morning.

Powell, 69, is “experiencing mild symptoms,” according to the announcement.

Read more here.

Top Pharma CEO Says COVID Likely to Become Endemic, Urges Investment in Pandemic Preparedness

The chief executive of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis on Thursday warned the coronavirus pandemic will likely settle into an endemic phase and renewed calls for policymakers to sufficiently finance pandemic preparedness.

“If you look over the last two years, we have populations that have built up immunity, you have a virus that’s continuing to make shifts, but I think what we’re going to settle into is more of an endemic environment with respect to coronaviruses and the COVID virus specifically,” Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, told CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Read more here.

5 Illinois Counties Now at ‘High’ Community COVID Level as IDPH Reports Undercount

Illinois now has two additional counties reporting what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refers to as having a “high” community spread of COVID after a data delay led to an undercount last week, the state’s health department said in a press release Tuesday.

Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported only three counties in the state — Hancock in Western Illinois, along with Marion and Washington in Southern Illinois — had fallen into the CDC’s “high” category. However, on Tuesday, the state’s health department sent out an update, saying it had undercounted.

Read more here.

‘Kraken’ COVID Variant, XBB.1.5 Climbing in Midwest, Experts Say More Cases Expected

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 roughly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 43% of cases in the U.S. and more than 14% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 30.4% and roughly 7% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

Experts Prepare for New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 to Rise in Chicago Area

The new and highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5, or informally as the “kraken” variant, quickly rose to dominance in the Northeast, but experts in the Chicago area are bracing for a similar situation to unfold here soon.

The variant has already been detected in Chicago, according to area health officials.

“We’ve seen a few XBB.1.5. in Chicago,” Hannah Barbian, a virologist who tracks COVID variants with Rush University Medical Center, told NBC Chicago.

Read more here.

XBB.1.5, ‘Kraken’: Why is New COVID Variant So Contagious? What to Know as It Rises in Midwest

The new COVID variant XBB.1.5, also known unofficially as the “kraken” variant, continued to rise in the Midwest, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but what makes the new variant so contagious and are experts expecting a surge?

Read more here.

Are Symptoms of the ‘Kraken’ Variant Different From Other COVID Strains? Here’s What Doctors Say

A highly contagious “recombinant” variant composed of two different BA.2 strains, the “kraken” variant has quickly become the dominant form of COVID in the U.S. and is continuing to spread nationwide.

Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.

Read more here.

As the virus continues to mutate and become even more contagious, there are some guidelines experts are urging.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell Tests Positive for COVID

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has tested positive for COVID-19, the central bank announced Wednesday morning.

Powell, 69, is “experiencing mild symptoms,” according to the announcement.

Read more here.

Top Pharma CEO Says COVID Likely to Become Endemic, Urges Investment in Pandemic Preparedness

The chief executive of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis on Thursday warned the coronavirus pandemic will likely settle into an endemic phase and renewed calls for policymakers to sufficiently finance pandemic preparedness.

“If you look over the last two years, we have populations that have built up immunity, you have a virus that’s continuing to make shifts, but I think what we’re going to settle into is more of an endemic environment with respect to coronaviruses and the COVID virus specifically,” Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, told CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Read more here.

5 Illinois Counties Now at ‘High’ Community COVID Level as IDPH Reports Undercount

Illinois now has two additional counties reporting what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refers to as having a “high” community spread of COVID after a data delay led to an undercount last week, the state’s health department said in a press release Tuesday.

Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported only three counties in the state — Hancock in Western Illinois, along with Marion and Washington in Southern Illinois — had fallen into the CDC’s “high” category. However, on Tuesday, the state’s health department sent out an update, saying it had undercounted.

Read more here.

‘Kraken’ COVID Variant, XBB.1.5 Climbing in Midwest, Experts Say More Cases Expected

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 roughly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 43% of cases in the U.S. and more than 14% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 30.4% and roughly 7% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

Experts Prepare for New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 to Rise in Chicago Area

The new and highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5, or informally as the “kraken” variant, quickly rose to dominance in the Northeast, but experts in the Chicago area are bracing for a similar situation to unfold here soon.

The variant has already been detected in Chicago, according to area health officials.

“We’ve seen a few XBB.1.5. in Chicago,” Hannah Barbian, a virologist who tracks COVID variants with Rush University Medical Center, told NBC Chicago.

Read more here.

XBB.1.5, ‘Kraken’: Why is New COVID Variant So Contagious? What to Know as It Rises in Midwest

The new COVID variant XBB.1.5, also known unofficially as the “kraken” variant, continued to rise in the Midwest, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but what makes the new variant so contagious and are experts expecting a surge?

Read more here.

Are Symptoms of the ‘Kraken’ Variant Different From Other COVID Strains? Here’s What Doctors Say

A highly contagious “recombinant” variant composed of two different BA.2 strains, the “kraken” variant has quickly become the dominant form of COVID in the U.S. and is continuing to spread nationwide.

Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.

Read more here.

This comes as the new, and ultra-contagious, COVID variant XBB.1.5, also dubbed the “kraken” variant grows in prevalence in the Midwest.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

5 Illinois Counties Now at ‘High’ Community COVID Level as IDPH Reports Undercount

Illinois now has two additional counties reporting what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refers to as having a “high” community spread of COVID after a data delay led to an undercount last week, the state’s health department said in a press release Tuesday.

Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported only three counties in the state — Hancock in Western Illinois, along with Marion and Washington in Southern Illinois — had fallen into the CDC’s “high” category. However, on Tuesday, the state’s health department sent out an update, saying it had undercounted.

Read more here.

‘Kraken’ COVID Variant, XBB.1.5 Climbing in Midwest, Experts Say More Cases Expected

The new and highly contagious COVID variant dubbed XBB.1.5 roughly doubled its prevalence in the Midwest over the last week and experts say that growth will likely continue in the weeks ahead.

The variant now makes up 43% of cases in the U.S. and more than 14% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics from 30.4% and roughly 7% the week prior, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

Experts Prepare for New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 to Rise in Chicago Area

The new and highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5, or informally as the “kraken” variant, quickly rose to dominance in the Northeast, but experts in the Chicago area are bracing for a similar situation to unfold here soon.

The variant has already been detected in Chicago, according to area health officials.

“We’ve seen a few XBB.1.5. in Chicago,” Hannah Barbian, a virologist who tracks COVID variants with Rush University Medical Center, told NBC Chicago.

Read more here.

XBB.1.5, ‘Kraken’: Why is New COVID Variant So Contagious? What to Know as It Rises in Midwest

The new COVID variant XBB.1.5, also known unofficially as the “kraken” variant, continued to rise in the Midwest, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but what makes the new variant so contagious and are experts expecting a surge?

Read more here.

Are Symptoms of the ‘Kraken’ Variant Different From Other COVID Strains? Here’s What Doctors Say

A highly contagious “recombinant” variant composed of two different BA.2 strains, the “kraken” variant has quickly become the dominant form of COVID in the U.S. and is continuing to spread nationwide.

Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.

Read more here.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

XBB.1.5 Variant Now Makes Up More Than 40% of COVID Cases

The new and even more contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5 or the “kraken” variant continues to rise in dominance in both the U.S. and Midwest.

The variant now makes up more than 40% of cases in the U.S. and more than 14% of cases in the Midwest, climbing in both metrics.

Experts in the Chicago area have been preparing for the variant to surge in the Midwest after the Northeast saw a rapid rise, with the variant now making up more than 80% of cases there.

3 Illinois Counties at ‘High’ Community Level Status as COVID-19 Numbers Improve

In a notable change from months past, only three of Illinois’ 102 counties remain at “high” community level status, with improvements in COVID-19 case rates and other metrics occurring in recent weeks, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.

the “high” category and 53 at “medium” status – marking an improvement from a week earlier. For the week ending Jan. 6, 73 counties were at an elevated level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For the most recent week, Hancock County in the western portion of the state, along with Marion and Washington counties in southern Illinois, were listed at “high” status. In the Chicago area, seven counties are at “medium” for COVID-19, while three are in the “low” category.

The following counties were listed at “medium” status: Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Kane counties. LaSalle, Grundy and Will counties were all ranked at “low,” data revealed.

Read more here.

Experts Prepare for New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 to Rise in Chicago Area

The new and highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5, or informally as the “kraken” variant, quickly rose to dominance in the Northeast, but experts in the Chicago area are bracing for a similar situation to unfold here soon.

The variant has already been detected in Chicago, according to area health officials.

“We’ve seen a few XBB.1.5. in Chicago,” Hannah Barbian, a virologist who tracks COVID variants with Rush University Medical Center, told NBC Chicago.

Read more here.

Will XBB.1.5 Surge in Chicago Area? Experts Brace for Rise Similar to East Coast

With a new, highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5 quickly rising in the U.S., particularly in the East Coast, what will that mean for the Chicago area?

Experts say it’s likely the variant, which is believed to be even more transmissible and has been nicknamed the “kraken” variant, will grow in the Midwest and Chicago area in the coming days and weeks.

Read more here.

XBB.1.5, ‘Kraken’: Why is New COVID Variant So Contagious? What to Know as It Rises in Midwest

The new COVID variant XBB.1.5, also known unofficially as the “kraken” variant, continued to rise in the Midwest, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but what makes the new variant so contagious and are experts expecting a surge?

The CDC has changed its estimates for how prevalent the agency believes XBB.1.5 is in the U.S. late last week, now saying the variant makes up just 27.6% cases, down from the roughly 40% of cases being reported. That would make it no longer dominant in the country, though it continues to make up a majority of cases in the Northeast, with the variant believed to be responsible for more than 70% of COVID infections.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms of the ‘Kraken’ Variant Different From Other COVID Strains? Here’s What Doctors Say

A highly contagious “recombinant” variant composed of two different BA.2 strains, the “kraken” variant has quickly become the dominant form of COVID in the U.S. and is continuing to spread nationwide.

Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.

Read more here.

New XBB.1.5 Variant, Return to School Fuel Worries About Post-Holiday COVID Spike

Concerns have emerged about the possibility of a post-holiday COVID surge fueled by a new variant, recent large gatherings and the return to the classroom following winter break.

While increases in COVID cases have occurred in other parts of the U.S., weekly case numbers, hospital admissions and weekly deaths declined in recent days across Illinois, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Across the state, 26 counties are at “high” community level status, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

What is the ‘Kraken’ Variant? What We Know About the New COVID Variant So Far

You may have heard about a so-called “kraken” variant circulating right now, but what exactly is it and why is being called that?

The nickname refers to the XBB.1.5 variant, which has quickly become the dominant COVID strain in the U.S.

But why the “kraken” variant?

Read more here.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

In a news release, IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, explained he was encouraged to see community levels declining once again and hospital capacity remaining stable. According to the most recent IDPH data, improvements in case rates have also occurred.

As of Jan. 1, 127.8 COVID-19 cases were reported per 100,000 population, marking a 9.9% increase from a week prior, when 141.8 cases were reported per 100,000 people. The week before that, which ended Dec. 18, 179.1 cases were reported per 100,000 population, according to IDPH data.

Despite the more contagious “Kraken” variant rapidly spreading in the Northeast, Illinois isn’t seeing nearly as many cases. Still, health officials are keeping a watchful eye on the strain’s spread.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

3 Illinois Counties at ‘High’ Community Level Status as COVID-19 Numbers Improve

In a notable change from months past, only three of Illinois’ 102 counties remain at “high” community level status, with improvements in COVID-19 case rates and other metrics occurring in recent weeks, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.

the “high” category and 53 at “medium” status – marking an improvement from a week earlier. For the week ending Jan. 6, 73 counties were at an elevated level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For the most recent week, Hancock County in the western portion of the state, along with Marion and Washington counties in southern Illinois, were listed at “high” status. In the Chicago area, seven counties are at “medium” for COVID-19, while three are in the “low” category.

The following counties were listed at “medium” status: Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Kane counties. LaSalle, Grundy and Will counties were all ranked at “low,” data revealed.

Read more here.

Experts Prepare for New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 to Rise in Chicago Area

The new and highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5, or informally as the “kraken” variant, quickly rose to dominance in the Northeast, but experts in the Chicago area are bracing for a similar situation to unfold here soon.

The variant has already been detected in Chicago, according to area health officials.

“We’ve seen a few XBB.1.5. in Chicago,” Hannah Barbian, a virologist who tracks COVID variants with Rush University Medical Center, told NBC Chicago.

Read more here.

Will XBB.1.5 Surge in Chicago Area? Experts Brace for Rise Similar to East Coast

With a new, highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5 quickly rising in the U.S., particularly in the East Coast, what will that mean for the Chicago area?

Experts say it’s likely the variant, which is believed to be even more transmissible and has been nicknamed the “kraken” variant, will grow in the Midwest and Chicago area in the coming days and weeks.

Read more here.

XBB.1.5, ‘Kraken’: Why is New COVID Variant So Contagious? What to Know as It Rises in Midwest

The new COVID variant XBB.1.5, also known unofficially as the “kraken” variant, continued to rise in the Midwest, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but what makes the new variant so contagious and are experts expecting a surge?

The CDC has changed its estimates for how prevalent the agency believes XBB.1.5 is in the U.S. late last week, now saying the variant makes up just 27.6% cases, down from the roughly 40% of cases being reported. That would make it no longer dominant in the country, though it continues to make up a majority of cases in the Northeast, with the variant believed to be responsible for more than 70% of COVID infections.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms of the ‘Kraken’ Variant Different From Other COVID Strains? Here’s What Doctors Say

A highly contagious “recombinant” variant composed of two different BA.2 strains, the “kraken” variant has quickly become the dominant form of COVID in the U.S. and is continuing to spread nationwide.

Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.

Read more here.

New XBB.1.5 Variant, Return to School Fuel Worries About Post-Holiday COVID Spike

Concerns have emerged about the possibility of a post-holiday COVID surge fueled by a new variant, recent large gatherings and the return to the classroom following winter break.

While increases in COVID cases have occurred in other parts of the U.S., weekly case numbers, hospital admissions and weekly deaths declined in recent days across Illinois, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Across the state, 26 counties are at “high” community level status, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

What is the ‘Kraken’ Variant? What We Know About the New COVID Variant So Far

You may have heard about a so-called “kraken” variant circulating right now, but what exactly is it and why is being called that?

The nickname refers to the XBB.1.5 variant, which has quickly become the dominant COVID strain in the U.S.

But why the “kraken” variant?

Read more here.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Experts Prepare for New COVID Variant XBB.1.5 to Rise in Chicago Area

The new and highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5, or informally as the “kraken” variant, quickly rose to dominance in the Northeast, but experts in the Chicago area are bracing for a similar situation to unfold here soon.

The variant has already been detected in Chicago, according to area health officials.

“We’ve seen a few XBB.1.5. in Chicago,” Hannah Barbian, a virologist who tracks COVID variants with Rush University Medical Center, told NBC Chicago.

Read more here.

Will XBB.1.5 Surge in Chicago Area? Experts Brace for Rise Similar to East Coast

With a new, highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5 quickly rising in the U.S., particularly in the East Coast, what will that mean for the Chicago area?

Experts say it’s likely the variant, which is believed to be even more transmissible and has been nicknamed the “kraken” variant, will grow in the Midwest and Chicago area in the coming days and weeks.

Read more here.

XBB.1.5, ‘Kraken’: Why is New COVID Variant So Contagious? What to Know as It Rises in Midwest

The new COVID variant XBB.1.5, also known unofficially as the “kraken” variant, continued to rise in the Midwest, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but what makes the new variant so contagious and are experts expecting a surge?

The CDC has changed its estimates for how prevalent the agency believes XBB.1.5 is in the U.S. late last week, now saying the variant makes up just 27.6% cases, down from the roughly 40% of cases being reported. That would make it no longer dominant in the country, though it continues to make up a majority of cases in the Northeast, with the variant believed to be responsible for more than 70% of COVID infections.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms of the ‘Kraken’ Variant Different From Other COVID Strains? Here’s What Doctors Say

A highly contagious “recombinant” variant composed of two different BA.2 strains, the “kraken” variant has quickly become the dominant form of COVID in the U.S. and is continuing to spread nationwide.

Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.

Read more here.

New XBB.1.5 Variant, Return to School Fuel Worries About Post-Holiday COVID Spike

Concerns have emerged about the possibility of a post-holiday COVID surge fueled by a new variant, recent large gatherings and the return to the classroom following winter break.

While increases in COVID cases have occurred in other parts of the U.S., weekly case numbers, hospital admissions and weekly deaths declined in recent days across Illinois, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Across the state, 26 counties are at “high” community level status, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

What is the ‘Kraken’ Variant? What We Know About the New COVID Variant So Far

You may have heard about a so-called “kraken” variant circulating right now, but what exactly is it and why is being called that?

The nickname refers to the XBB.1.5 variant, which has quickly become the dominant COVID strain in the U.S.

But why the “kraken” variant?

Read more here.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

Experts weigh in on what the Midwest can expect with the highly-contagious strain already making up a majority of cases in the Northeast.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Will XBB.1.5 Surge in Chicago Area? Experts Brace for Rise Similar to East Coast

With a new, highly contagious COVID variant known as XBB.1.5 quickly rising in the U.S., particularly in the East Coast, what will that mean for the Chicago area?

Experts say it’s likely the variant, which is believed to be even more transmissible and has been nicknamed the “kraken” variant, will grow in the Midwest and Chicago area in the coming days and weeks.

Read more here.

XBB.1.5, ‘Kraken’: Why is New COVID Variant So Contagious? What to Know as It Rises in Midwest

The new COVID variant XBB.1.5, also known unofficially as the “kraken” variant, continued to rise in the Midwest, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but what makes the new variant so contagious and are experts expecting a surge?

The CDC has changed its estimates for how prevalent the agency believes XBB.1.5 is in the U.S. late last week, now saying the variant makes up just 27.6% cases, down from the roughly 40% of cases being reported. That would make it no longer dominant in the country, though it continues to make up a majority of cases in the Northeast, with the variant believed to be responsible for more than 70% of COVID infections.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms of the ‘Kraken’ Variant Different From Other COVID Strains? Here’s What Doctors Say

A highly contagious “recombinant” variant composed of two different BA.2 strains, the “kraken” variant has quickly become the dominant form of COVID in the U.S. and is continuing to spread nationwide.

Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.

Read more here.

New XBB.1.5 Variant, Return to School Fuel Worries About Post-Holiday COVID Spike

Concerns have emerged about the possibility of a post-holiday COVID surge fueled by a new variant, recent large gatherings and the return to the classroom following winter break.

While increases in COVID cases have occurred in other parts of the U.S., weekly case numbers, hospital admissions and weekly deaths declined in recent days across Illinois, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Across the state, 26 counties are at “high” community level status, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

What is the ‘Kraken’ Variant? What We Know About the New COVID Variant So Far

You may have heard about a so-called “kraken” variant circulating right now, but what exactly is it and why is being called that?

The nickname refers to the XBB.1.5 variant, which has quickly become the dominant COVID strain in the U.S.

But why the “kraken” variant?

Read more here.

73 Illinois Counties at ‘High’ COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Climb From Last Week

According to Illinois health officials, 73 of the state’s 102 counties are now at an elevated COVID-19 community level according to CDC data, marking an increase from 65 counties from data released last week.

Of the counties at an elevated level, 28 are at a “high” community level and 45 counties are at a “medium” community level. All of the counties in the Chicago area remain at a “medium” level.

Illinois health officials are reporting 16,281 new probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the week ending on Jan. 1, with 20 additional deaths.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

Turns out it could be all due to a new mutation.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

XBB.1.5, ‘Kraken’: Why is New COVID Variant So Contagious? What to Know as It Rises in Midwest

The new COVID variant XBB.1.5, also known unofficially as the “kraken” variant, continued to rise in the Midwest, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but what makes the new variant so contagious and are experts expecting a surge?

The CDC has changed its estimates for how prevalent the agency believes XBB.1.5 is in the U.S. late last week, now saying the variant makes up just 27.6% cases, down from the roughly 40% of cases being reported. That would make it no longer dominant in the country, though it continues to make up a majority of cases in the Northeast, with the variant believed to be responsible for more than 70% of COVID infections.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms of the ‘Kraken’ Variant Different From Other COVID Strains? Here’s What Doctors Say

A highly contagious “recombinant” variant composed of two different BA.2 strains, the “kraken” variant has quickly become the dominant form of COVID in the U.S. and is continuing to spread nationwide.

Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.

Read more here.

CPS Asks Students, Staff to “Please Test For COVID Before Returning to School” Monday

As Chicago Public Schools resumes Monday following winter break, administrators are bracing a possible surge in COVID cases by asking students and staff to “please test for COVID-19 before returning school,” a message posted to CPS’ website says.

“In order to keep our school communities safe, please test for COVID-19 before returning to school,” a post titled “Important Note For Families Regarding Winter Break” reads.

Read more here.

New XBB.1.5 Variant, Return to School Fuel Worries About Post-Holiday COVID Spike

Concerns have emerged about the possibility of a post-holiday COVID surge fueled by a new variant, recent large gatherings and the return to the classroom following winter break.

While increases in COVID cases have occurred in other parts of the U.S., weekly case numbers, hospital admissions and weekly deaths declined in recent days across Illinois, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Across the state, 26 counties are at “high” community level status, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

University of Illinois Removes COVID-19 Vaccine, Testing Requirements

The University of Illinois has removed its COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for all students and employees, system President Tim Killeen announced.

“We do, however, strongly recommend that you stay up to date with the most recent vaccine or booster available as a barrier to serious illness,” Killeen said, The News-Gazette reported Friday.

Unvaccinated students and employees on the university’s campuses had been required to keep up a regular testing schedule.

Read more here.

What is the ‘Kraken’ Variant? What We Know About the New COVID Variant So Far

You may have heard about a so-called “kraken” variant circulating right now, but what exactly is it and why is being called that?

The nickname refers to the XBB.1.5 variant, which has quickly become the dominant COVID strain in the U.S.

But why the “kraken” variant?

Read more here.

73 Illinois Counties at ‘High’ COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Climb From Last Week

According to Illinois health officials, 73 of the state’s 102 counties are now at an elevated COVID-19 community level according to CDC data, marking an increase from 65 counties from data released last week.

Of the counties at an elevated level, 28 are at a “high” community level and 45 counties are at a “medium” community level. All of the counties in the Chicago area remain at a “medium” level.

Illinois health officials are reporting 16,281 new probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the week ending on Jan. 1, with 20 additional deaths.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

What to know as the new variant quickly rises to dominance.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Are Symptoms of the ‘Kraken’ Variant Different From Other COVID Strains? Here’s What Doctors Say

A highly contagious “recombinant” variant composed of two different BA.2 strains, the “kraken” variant has quickly become the dominant form of COVID in the U.S. and is continuing to spread nationwide.

Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.

Read more here.

CPS Asks Students, Staff to “Please Test For COVID Before Returning to School” Monday

As Chicago Public Schools resumes Monday following winter break, administrators are bracing a possible surge in COVID cases by asking students and staff to “please test for COVID-19 before returning school,” a message posted to CPS’ website says.

“In order to keep our school communities safe, please test for COVID-19 before returning to school,” a post titled “Important Note For Families Regarding Winter Break” reads.

Read more here.

New XBB.1.5 Variant, Return to School Fuel Worries About Post-Holiday COVID Spike

Concerns have emerged about the possibility of a post-holiday COVID surge fueled by a new variant, recent large gatherings and the return to the classroom following winter break.

While increases in COVID cases have occurred in other parts of the U.S., weekly case numbers, hospital admissions and weekly deaths declined in recent days across Illinois, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Across the state, 26 counties are at “high” community level status, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

University of Illinois Removes COVID-19 Vaccine, Testing Requirements

The University of Illinois has removed its COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for all students and employees, system President Tim Killeen announced.

“We do, however, strongly recommend that you stay up to date with the most recent vaccine or booster available as a barrier to serious illness,” Killeen said, The News-Gazette reported Friday.

Unvaccinated students and employees on the university’s campuses had been required to keep up a regular testing schedule.

Read more here.

What is the ‘Kraken’ Variant? What We Know About the New COVID Variant So Far

You may have heard about a so-called “kraken” variant circulating right now, but what exactly is it and why is being called that?

The nickname refers to the XBB.1.5 variant, which has quickly become the dominant COVID strain in the U.S.

But why the “kraken” variant?

Read more here.

73 Illinois Counties at ‘High’ COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Climb From Last Week

According to Illinois health officials, 73 of the state’s 102 counties are now at an elevated COVID-19 community level according to CDC data, marking an increase from 65 counties from data released last week.

Of the counties at an elevated level, 28 are at a “high” community level and 45 counties are at a “medium” community level. All of the counties in the Chicago area remain at a “medium” level.

Illinois health officials are reporting 16,281 new probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the week ending on Jan. 1, with 20 additional deaths.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

CPS Asks Students, Staff to “Please Test For COVID Before Returning to School” Monday

As Chicago Public Schools resumes Monday following winter break, administrators are bracing a possible surge in COVID cases by asking students and staff to “please test for COVID-19 before returning school,” a message posted to CPS’ website says.

“In order to keep our school communities safe, please test for COVID-19 before returning to school,” a post titled “Important Note For Families Regarding Winter Break” reads.

Read more here.

New XBB.1.5 Variant, Return to School Fuel Worries About Post-Holiday COVID Spike

Concerns have emerged about the possibility of a post-holiday COVID surge fueled by a new variant, recent large gatherings and the return to the classroom following winter break.

While increases in COVID cases have occurred in other parts of the U.S., weekly case numbers, hospital admissions and weekly deaths declined in recent days across Illinois, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Across the state, 26 counties are at “high” community level status, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more here.

University of Illinois Removes COVID-19 Vaccine, Testing Requirements

The University of Illinois has removed its COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for all students and employees, system President Tim Killeen announced.

“We do, however, strongly recommend that you stay up to date with the most recent vaccine or booster available as a barrier to serious illness,” Killeen said, The News-Gazette reported Friday.

Unvaccinated students and employees on the university’s campuses had been required to keep up a regular testing schedule.

Read more here.

What is the ‘Kraken’ Variant? What We Know About the New COVID Variant So Far

You may have heard about a so-called “kraken” variant circulating right now, but what exactly is it and why is being called that?

The nickname refers to the XBB.1.5 variant, which has quickly become the dominant COVID strain in the U.S.

But why the “kraken” variant?

Read more here.

73 Illinois Counties at ‘High’ COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Climb From Last Week

According to Illinois health officials, 73 of the state’s 102 counties are now at an elevated COVID-19 community level according to CDC data, marking an increase from 65 counties from data released last week.

Of the counties at an elevated level, 28 are at a “high” community level and 45 counties are at a “medium” community level. All of the counties in the Chicago area remain at a “medium” level.

Illinois health officials are reporting 16,281 new probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the week ending on Jan. 1, with 20 additional deaths.

Read more here.

Entire Chicago Area Under ‘Medium’ COVID Alert Level

In the latest data released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the entire Chicago area sits under the “medium” COVID alert level.

The CDC’s weekly updated community levels were released Thursday.

At “medium” status, anyone at high risk of getting seriously ill should wear a high-quality mask or respirator, such as an N95, when in public indoors. Additionally, if you have contact with someone else at high risk, consider self-testing to detect infection before contact, according to the CDC.

Here’s What People With Long COVID Need to Know About Navigating Health Insurance

Navigating the health insurance system is often difficult and overwhelming, even in the best of times. For patients with long COVID, a relatively new condition that frequently leaves patients with a lengthy and unpredictable list of debilitating symptoms, it can be especially nightmarish.

“Even if you remain on the same [health insurance] plan you had before COVID, you will probably utilize the health-care system more, whether it be more office visits, more prescription medications or even more medical devices,” said Caitlin Donovan, a spokesperson for the National Patient Advocate Foundation.

Indeed, nearly half of people with long COVID reported increased medical expenses, according to a recent survey conducted by the Patient Advocate Foundation.

Read more here.

US Now Requires People Traveling From China to Take COVID-19 Test: CDC

The U.S. announced new COVID-19 testing requirements last week for all travelers from China, joining other nations imposing restrictions because of a surge of infections. Those measures took effect Thursday.

The increase in cases across China follows the rollback of the nation’s strict anti-virus controls. China’s “zero COVID” policies had kept the country’s infection rate low but fueled public frustration and crushed economic growth.

The new U.S. requirements, which started Jan. 5, apply to travelers regardless of their nationality and vaccination status.

Read more here.

Damar Hamlin’s Collapse Spurs New Wave of Vaccine Misinformation Online

Unfounded claims about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines proliferated in the hours and days after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during Monday’s game, revealing how pervasive vaccine misinformation remains three years after the pandemic began.

Even before Hamlin was carried off the field in Cincinnati, posts amassing thousands of shares and millions of views began circulating online claiming without evidence that complications from COVID-19 vaccines caused his health emergency.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB 1.5 Quickly Rising in Dominance. Here’s Why That Matters

The new, highly-contagious COVID variant XBB.1.5 is already the dominant variant in the U.S., with its numbers more than doubling each week for the last month.

Tracking numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that, as of Saturday, the XBB.1.5 variant now makes up more than 40% of cases in the U.S. Four weeks ago, that number was just 3.7%.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

New data was released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week as health experts continue to monitor for a potential post-holiday surge.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Entire Chicago Area Under ‘Medium’ COVID Alert Level

In the latest data released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the entire Chicago area sits under the “medium” COVID alert level.

The CDC’s weekly updated community levels were released Thursday.

At “medium” status, anyone at high risk of getting seriously ill should wear a high-quality mask or respirator, such as an N95, when in public indoors. Additionally, if you have contact with someone else at high risk, consider self-testing to detect infection before contact, according to the CDC.

Here’s What People With Long COVID Need to Know About Navigating Health Insurance

Navigating the health insurance system is often difficult and overwhelming, even in the best of times. For patients with long COVID, a relatively new condition that frequently leaves patients with a lengthy and unpredictable list of debilitating symptoms, it can be especially nightmarish.

“Even if you remain on the same [health insurance] plan you had before COVID, you will probably utilize the health-care system more, whether it be more office visits, more prescription medications or even more medical devices,” said Caitlin Donovan, a spokesperson for the National Patient Advocate Foundation.

Indeed, nearly half of people with long COVID reported increased medical expenses, according to a recent survey conducted by the Patient Advocate Foundation.

Read more here.

US Now Requires People Traveling From China to Take COVID-19 Test: CDC

The U.S. announced new COVID-19 testing requirements last week for all travelers from China, joining other nations imposing restrictions because of a surge of infections. Those measures took effect Thursday.

The increase in cases across China follows the rollback of the nation’s strict anti-virus controls. China’s “zero COVID” policies had kept the country’s infection rate low but fueled public frustration and crushed economic growth.

The new U.S. requirements, which started Jan. 5, apply to travelers regardless of their nationality and vaccination status.

Read more here.

Damar Hamlin’s Collapse Spurs New Wave of Vaccine Misinformation Online

Unfounded claims about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines proliferated in the hours and days after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during Monday’s game, revealing how pervasive vaccine misinformation remains three years after the pandemic began.

Even before Hamlin was carried off the field in Cincinnati, posts amassing thousands of shares and millions of views began circulating online claiming without evidence that complications from COVID-19 vaccines caused his health emergency.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB 1.5 Quickly Rising in Dominance. Here’s Why That Matters

The new, highly-contagious COVID variant XBB.1.5 is already the dominant variant in the U.S., with its numbers more than doubling each week for the last month.

Tracking numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that, as of Saturday, the XBB.1.5 variant now makes up more than 40% of cases in the U.S. Four weeks ago, that number was just 3.7%.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

Move On From COVID? Child Care Disruptions Continue

For working parents of young children, it seems the rest of the world has moved on from the pandemic. But unending illness and child care disruptions have upended many families’ lives.

Vaccines for young kids and the end of quarantines for COVID exposure were supposed to bring relief. Instead, young families were treated to what some called a “tripledemic.” Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus cases collided, stressing children’s hospitals and threatening the child care system. And doctors and parents fear disruptive illnesses will continue this winter.

Even parents of babies with less serious cases of COVID-19 have run into 10-day isolation rules that have taxed the patience of employers.

Flu and RSV on the Decline But COVID Hospitalizations Rise

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising in the United States, even as hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus and the flu continue to fall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that, while flu is still spreading at high levels, virus activity is falling in “most areas.” For the week ending Dec. 24, around 18,800 people were hospitalized with flu, down from around 20,700 hospitalizations the week prior.

Read more here.

54 Illinois Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Drop

As holiday celebrations wrap up across the state and country, cases of COVID-19 in Illinois have substantially dropped since last week’s reporting according to the CDC, although a drop in testing over the holidays may have played a factor.

All counties in the Chicago area are at a “medium” COVID-19 community level, with DuPage, Kendall and DeKalb counties dropping from “high” to “medium” over the past seven days.

CDC data shows that 54 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, down from 88 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

Here’s Where COVID Rules for Visitors From China Are Changing

Some countries announced new COVID testing requirements for visitors from China after the mainland said it would finally relax border controls.

Japan was the first country to subsequently release rule changes, followed by the U.S. and others. COVID-19 infections surged this month in mainland China, but there is limited data available publicly.

Here are some of the latest policy changes for travelers from China.

U.S. Records 100 Million COVID Cases, But More Than 200 Million Americans Have Probably Had It

The U.S. recorded more than 100 million formally diagnosed and reported COVID-19 cases this week, but the number of Americans who’ve actually had the virus since the beginning of the pandemic is probably more than twice as high.

COVID-19 has easily infected more than 200 million in the U.S. alone since the beginning of the pandemic — some people more than once. The virus continues to evolve into more transmissible variants that dodge immunity from vaccination and prior infection, making transmission incredibly difficult to control as we go into the fourth year of the pandemic.

Read more here.

What Are the Best Masks to Wear for COVID-19, Other Respiratory Illnesses?

The simultaneous threat of COVID-19, RSV and flu continues to circulate, spurring health agencies to recommend that people once against start what used to be a mainstay during the height of the pandemic: masking.

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

Chicago’s top doctor said the variant is the highly contagious and the city is monitoring its spread.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

US Now Requires People Traveling From China to Take COVID-19 Test: CDC

The U.S. announced new COVID-19 testing requirements last week for all travelers from China, joining other nations imposing restrictions because of a surge of infections. Those measures took effect Thursday.

The increase in cases across China follows the rollback of the nation’s strict anti-virus controls. China’s “zero COVID” policies had kept the country’s infection rate low but fueled public frustration and crushed economic growth.

The new U.S. requirements, which started Jan. 5, apply to travelers regardless of their nationality and vaccination status.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB 1.5 Quickly Rising in Dominance. Here’s Why That Matters

The new, highly-contagious COVID variant XBB.1.5 is already the dominant variant in the U.S., with its numbers more than doubling each week for the last month.

Tracking numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that, as of Saturday, the XBB.1.5 variant now makes up more than 40% of cases in the U.S. Four weeks ago, that number was just 3.7%.

Read more here.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

Move On From COVID? Child Care Disruptions Continue

For working parents of young children, it seems the rest of the world has moved on from the pandemic. But unending illness and child care disruptions have upended many families’ lives.

Vaccines for young kids and the end of quarantines for COVID exposure were supposed to bring relief. Instead, young families were treated to what some called a “tripledemic.” Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus cases collided, stressing children’s hospitals and threatening the child care system. And doctors and parents fear disruptive illnesses will continue this winter.

Even parents of babies with less serious cases of COVID-19 have run into 10-day isolation rules that have taxed the patience of employers.

Flu and RSV on the Decline But COVID Hospitalizations Rise

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising in the United States, even as hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus and the flu continue to fall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that, while flu is still spreading at high levels, virus activity is falling in “most areas.” For the week ending Dec. 24, around 18,800 people were hospitalized with flu, down from around 20,700 hospitalizations the week prior.

Read more here.

54 Illinois Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Drop

As holiday celebrations wrap up across the state and country, cases of COVID-19 in Illinois have substantially dropped since last week’s reporting according to the CDC, although a drop in testing over the holidays may have played a factor.

All counties in the Chicago area are at a “medium” COVID-19 community level, with DuPage, Kendall and DeKalb counties dropping from “high” to “medium” over the past seven days.

CDC data shows that 54 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, down from 88 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

Here’s Where COVID Rules for Visitors From China Are Changing

Some countries announced new COVID testing requirements for visitors from China after the mainland said it would finally relax border controls.

Japan was the first country to subsequently release rule changes, followed by the U.S. and others. COVID-19 infections surged this month in mainland China, but there is limited data available publicly.

Here are some of the latest policy changes for travelers from China.

U.S. Records 100 Million COVID Cases, But More Than 200 Million Americans Have Probably Had It

The U.S. recorded more than 100 million formally diagnosed and reported COVID-19 cases this week, but the number of Americans who’ve actually had the virus since the beginning of the pandemic is probably more than twice as high.

COVID-19 has easily infected more than 200 million in the U.S. alone since the beginning of the pandemic — some people more than once. The virus continues to evolve into more transmissible variants that dodge immunity from vaccination and prior infection, making transmission incredibly difficult to control as we go into the fourth year of the pandemic.

Read more here.

What Are the Best Masks to Wear for COVID-19, Other Respiratory Illnesses?

The simultaneous threat of COVID-19, RSV and flu continues to circulate, spurring health agencies to recommend that people once against start what used to be a mainstay during the height of the pandemic: masking.

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

Chicago’s top doctor broke down some of the big things to expect with the new variant and what it means for the pandemic.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Are Symptoms Changing With New COVID Variant Rising? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc Said

As a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant quickly gains prevalence locally and nationally, many are wondering if the XBB.1.5 strain presents new symptoms than previous strains of the virus.

While the variant is still presenting symptoms that have been noted to be consistent with COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, Arwady noted that flu-like symptoms are not as prevalent with XBB.1.5, particularly for those who are vaccinated and boosted.

Read more here.

New COVID Variant XBB.1.5: What It Is, Symptoms and What You Should Know

A new COVID variant, marking a fusion between two recent strains that is even more contagious than its predecessors, is beginning to take hold in the U.S., but what exactly is it, how serious is it and what are the symptoms?

Here’s a look at what we know so far and what experts are saying.

Move On From COVID? Child Care Disruptions Continue

For working parents of young children, it seems the rest of the world has moved on from the pandemic. But unending illness and child care disruptions have upended many families’ lives.

Vaccines for young kids and the end of quarantines for COVID exposure were supposed to bring relief. Instead, young families were treated to what some called a “tripledemic.” Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus cases collided, stressing children’s hospitals and threatening the child care system. And doctors and parents fear disruptive illnesses will continue this winter.

Even parents of babies with less serious cases of COVID-19 have run into 10-day isolation rules that have taxed the patience of employers.

Flu and RSV on the Decline But COVID Hospitalizations Rise

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising in the United States, even as hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus and the flu continue to fall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that, while flu is still spreading at high levels, virus activity is falling in “most areas.” For the week ending Dec. 24, around 18,800 people were hospitalized with flu, down from around 20,700 hospitalizations the week prior.

Read more here.

54 Illinois Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Drop

As holiday celebrations wrap up across the state and country, cases of COVID-19 in Illinois have substantially dropped since last week’s reporting according to the CDC, although a drop in testing over the holidays may have played a factor.

All counties in the Chicago area are at a “medium” COVID-19 community level, with DuPage, Kendall and DeKalb counties dropping from “high” to “medium” over the past seven days.

CDC data shows that 54 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, down from 88 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

Here’s Where COVID Rules for Visitors From China Are Changing

Some countries announced new COVID testing requirements for visitors from China after the mainland said it would finally relax border controls.

Japan was the first country to subsequently release rule changes, followed by the U.S. and others. COVID-19 infections surged this month in mainland China, but there is limited data available publicly.

Here are some of the latest policy changes for travelers from China.

U.S. Records 100 Million COVID Cases, But More Than 200 Million Americans Have Probably Had It

The U.S. recorded more than 100 million formally diagnosed and reported COVID-19 cases this week, but the number of Americans who’ve actually had the virus since the beginning of the pandemic is probably more than twice as high.

COVID-19 has easily infected more than 200 million in the U.S. alone since the beginning of the pandemic — some people more than once. The virus continues to evolve into more transmissible variants that dodge immunity from vaccination and prior infection, making transmission incredibly difficult to control as we go into the fourth year of the pandemic.

Read more here.

What Are the Best Masks to Wear for COVID-19, Other Respiratory Illnesses?

The simultaneous threat of COVID-19, RSV and flu continues to circulate, spurring health agencies to recommend that people once against start what used to be a mainstay during the height of the pandemic: masking.

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

The worries come as COVID hospitalizations rise in the U.S.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Move On From COVID? Child Care Disruptions Continue

For working parents of young children, it seems the rest of the world has moved on from the pandemic. But unending illness and child care disruptions have upended many families’ lives.

Vaccines for young kids and the end of quarantines for COVID exposure were supposed to bring relief. Instead, young families were treated to what some called a “tripledemic.” Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus cases collided, stressing children’s hospitals and threatening the child care system. And doctors and parents fear disruptive illnesses will continue this winter.

Even parents of babies with less serious cases of COVID-19 have run into 10-day isolation rules that have taxed the patience of employers.

Flu and RSV on the Decline But COVID Hospitalizations Rise

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising in the United States, even as hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus and the flu continue to fall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that, while flu is still spreading at high levels, virus activity is falling in “most areas.” For the week ending Dec. 24, around 18,800 people were hospitalized with flu, down from around 20,700 hospitalizations the week prior.

Read more here.

54 Illinois Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Drop

As holiday celebrations wrap up across the state and country, cases of COVID-19 in Illinois have substantially dropped since last week’s reporting according to the CDC, although a drop in testing over the holidays may have played a factor.

All counties in the Chicago area are at a “medium” COVID-19 community level, with DuPage, Kendall and DeKalb counties dropping from “high” to “medium” over the past seven days.

CDC data shows that 54 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, down from 88 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

Here’s Where COVID Rules for Visitors From China Are Changing

Some countries announced new COVID testing requirements for visitors from China after the mainland said it would finally relax border controls.

Japan was the first country to subsequently release rule changes, followed by the U.S. and others. COVID-19 infections surged this month in mainland China, but there is limited data available publicly.

Here are some of the latest policy changes for travelers from China.

U.S. Records 100 Million COVID Cases, But More Than 200 Million Americans Have Probably Had It

The U.S. recorded more than 100 million formally diagnosed and reported COVID-19 cases this week, but the number of Americans who’ve actually had the virus since the beginning of the pandemic is probably more than twice as high.

COVID-19 has easily infected more than 200 million in the U.S. alone since the beginning of the pandemic — some people more than once. The virus continues to evolve into more transmissible variants that dodge immunity from vaccination and prior infection, making transmission incredibly difficult to control as we go into the fourth year of the pandemic.

Read more here.

What Are the Best Masks to Wear for COVID-19, Other Respiratory Illnesses?

The simultaneous threat of COVID-19, RSV and flu continues to circulate, spurring health agencies to recommend that people once against start what used to be a mainstay during the height of the pandemic: masking.

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

While the numbers show signs of decline, some experts say other factors could be at play.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Flu and RSV on the Decline But COVID Hospitalizations Rise

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising in the United States, even as hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus and the flu continue to fall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that, while flu is still spreading at high levels, virus activity is falling in “most areas.” For the week ending Dec. 24, around 18,800 people were hospitalized with flu, down from around 20,700 hospitalizations the week prior.

Read more here.

54 Illinois Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Drop

As holiday celebrations wrap up across the state and country, cases of COVID-19 in Illinois have substantially dropped since last week’s reporting according to the CDC, although a drop in testing over the holidays may have played a factor.

All counties in the Chicago area are at a “medium” COVID-19 community level, with DuPage, Kendall and DeKalb counties dropping from “high” to “medium” over the past seven days.

CDC data shows that 54 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, down from 88 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

Here’s Where COVID Rules for Visitors From China Are Changing

Some countries announced new COVID testing requirements for visitors from China after the mainland said it would finally relax border controls.

Japan was the first country to subsequently release rule changes, followed by the U.S. and others. COVID-19 infections surged this month in mainland China, but there is limited data available publicly.

Here are some of the latest policy changes for travelers from China.

U.S. Records 100 Million COVID Cases, But More Than 200 Million Americans Have Probably Had It

The U.S. recorded more than 100 million formally diagnosed and reported COVID-19 cases this week, but the number of Americans who’ve actually had the virus since the beginning of the pandemic is probably more than twice as high.

COVID-19 has easily infected more than 200 million in the U.S. alone since the beginning of the pandemic — some people more than once. The virus continues to evolve into more transmissible variants that dodge immunity from vaccination and prior infection, making transmission incredibly difficult to control as we go into the fourth year of the pandemic.

Read more here.

What Are the Best Masks to Wear for COVID-19, Other Respiratory Illnesses?

The simultaneous threat of COVID-19, RSV and flu continues to circulate, spurring health agencies to recommend that people once against start what used to be a mainstay during the height of the pandemic: masking.

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, areas with a “medium” community COVID level are advised to wear face mask in crowded indoor areas where the vaccine status of others is unknown, follow quarantine guidelines and more.

Here’s the latest COVID summary from the the city of Chicago.

Here’s what else you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Here’s Where COVID Rules for Visitors From China Are Changing

Some countries announced new COVID testing requirements for visitors from China after the mainland said it would finally relax border controls.

Japan was the first country to subsequently release rule changes, followed by the U.S. and others. COVID-19 infections surged this month in mainland China, but there is limited data available publicly.

Here are some of the latest policy changes for travelers from China.

U.S. Records 100 Million COVID Cases, But More Than 200 Million Americans Have Probably Had It

The U.S. recorded more than 100 million formally diagnosed and reported COVID-19 cases this week, but the number of Americans who’ve actually had the virus since the beginning of the pandemic is probably more than twice as high.

COVID-19 has easily infected more than 200 million in the U.S. alone since the beginning of the pandemic — some people more than once. The virus continues to evolve into more transmissible variants that dodge immunity from vaccination and prior infection, making transmission incredibly difficult to control as we go into the fourth year of the pandemic.

Read more here.

What Are the Best Masks to Wear for COVID-19, Other Respiratory Illnesses?

The simultaneous threat of COVID-19, RSV and flu continues to circulate, spurring health agencies to recommend that people once against start what used to be a mainstay during the height of the pandemic: masking.

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Read more here.

3 Signs the ‘Pandemic Economy’ Ended in 2022—Even Though Covid Is Still Around

By all technical definitions, the U.S. is still in a pandemic. As of September, the World Health Organization has only declared the end of the pandemic “in sight,” but not here yet — especially as COVID cases rise and threaten another harsh winter wave. 

America’s money habits, however, have almost completely gone back to pre-pandemic trends. After nearly two years of significant disruption — for better or worse — these are three examples of how the pandemic economy ended in 2022.

Could Mono Virus Or Fat Cells Be Playing Roles in Long COVID?

A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher have never met in person, but they share a prominent pandemic bond.

Plagued by eerily similar symptoms, the three women are credited with describing, naming and helping bring long COVID into the public’s consciousness in early 2020.

Nearly three years into the pandemic, scientists are still trying to figure out why some people get long COVID and why a small portion — including the three women — have lasting symptoms.

Here’s some of the latest evidence.

Here’s Where Masks Are Recommended in the Chicago Area

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Nationwide, metrics have risen since Thanksgiving, data showed, and could potentially climb higher following gatherings around Christmas. According to an update of the CDC’s county-by-county community levels map, nearly 11% of U.S. counties are at high community level status, while 41% are listed at medium.

Read more here.

88 of Illinois’ 102 Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Stay Mostly Stagnant

With many Illinois families preparing for holiday celebrations, cases of COVID-19 remain at elevated levels across the state, with three Chicago-area counties now at a “high” COVID-19 community level, according to the CDC.

CDC data shows that 88 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, up from 86 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

3 Chicago-Area Counties Reach ‘High’ COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Three Chicago-area counties are at a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across Illinois in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are recommended for all public indoor spaces.

DuPage and Kendall counties reached the designation in Thursday’s update from the CDC, with DeKalb County still sitting at the “high” status after hitting it the previous week.

Read more here.

Chicago to Issue Mask Advisory if City Reaches ‘High’ Alert Level, Mayor Says

If Chicago reaches a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the city will issue a mask advisory, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday, just ahead of the holiday weekend.

While the city and Cook County weren’t ultimately elevated to a high level this week, experts said they expect the transition is coming.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

What does that mean for travelers?

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Here’s Where COVID Rules for Visitors From China Are Changing

Some countries announced new COVID testing requirements for visitors from China after the mainland said it would finally relax border controls.

Japan was the first country to subsequently release rule changes, followed by the U.S. and others. COVID-19 infections surged this month in mainland China, but there is limited data available publicly.

Here are some of the latest policy changes for travelers from China.

U.S. Records 100 Million COVID Cases, But More Than 200 Million Americans Have Probably Had It

The U.S. recorded more than 100 million formally diagnosed and reported COVID-19 cases this week, but the number of Americans who’ve actually had the virus since the beginning of the pandemic is probably more than twice as high.

COVID-19 has easily infected more than 200 million in the U.S. alone since the beginning of the pandemic — some people more than once. The virus continues to evolve into more transmissible variants that dodge immunity from vaccination and prior infection, making transmission incredibly difficult to control as we go into the fourth year of the pandemic.

Read more here.

What Are the Best Masks to Wear for COVID-19, Other Respiratory Illnesses?

The simultaneous threat of COVID-19, RSV and flu continues to circulate, spurring health agencies to recommend that people once against start what used to be a mainstay during the height of the pandemic: masking.

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Read more here.

3 Signs the ‘Pandemic Economy’ Ended in 2022—Even Though Covid Is Still Around

By all technical definitions, the U.S. is still in a pandemic. As of September, the World Health Organization has only declared the end of the pandemic “in sight,” but not here yet — especially as COVID cases rise and threaten another harsh winter wave. 

America’s money habits, however, have almost completely gone back to pre-pandemic trends. After nearly two years of significant disruption — for better or worse — these are three examples of how the pandemic economy ended in 2022.

Could Mono Virus Or Fat Cells Be Playing Roles in Long COVID?

A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher have never met in person, but they share a prominent pandemic bond.

Plagued by eerily similar symptoms, the three women are credited with describing, naming and helping bring long COVID into the public’s consciousness in early 2020.

Nearly three years into the pandemic, scientists are still trying to figure out why some people get long COVID and why a small portion — including the three women — have lasting symptoms.

Here’s some of the latest evidence.

Here’s Where Masks Are Recommended in the Chicago Area

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Nationwide, metrics have risen since Thanksgiving, data showed, and could potentially climb higher following gatherings around Christmas. According to an update of the CDC’s county-by-county community levels map, nearly 11% of U.S. counties are at high community level status, while 41% are listed at medium.

Read more here.

88 of Illinois’ 102 Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Stay Mostly Stagnant

With many Illinois families preparing for holiday celebrations, cases of COVID-19 remain at elevated levels across the state, with three Chicago-area counties now at a “high” COVID-19 community level, according to the CDC.

CDC data shows that 88 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, up from 86 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

3 Chicago-Area Counties Reach ‘High’ COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Three Chicago-area counties are at a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across Illinois in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are recommended for all public indoor spaces.

DuPage and Kendall counties reached the designation in Thursday’s update from the CDC, with DeKalb County still sitting at the “high” status after hitting it the previous week.

Read more here.

Chicago to Issue Mask Advisory if City Reaches ‘High’ Alert Level, Mayor Says

If Chicago reaches a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the city will issue a mask advisory, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday, just ahead of the holiday weekend.

While the city and Cook County weren’t ultimately elevated to a high level this week, experts said they expect the transition is coming.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

What Are the Best Masks to Wear for COVID-19, Other Respiratory Illnesses?

The simultaneous threat of COVID-19, RSV and flu continues to circulate, spurring health agencies to recommend that people once against start what used to be a mainstay during the height of the pandemic: masking.

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Read more here.

3 Signs the ‘Pandemic Economy’ Ended in 2022—Even Though Covid Is Still Around

By all technical definitions, the U.S. is still in a pandemic. As of September, the World Health Organization has only declared the end of the pandemic “in sight,” but not here yet — especially as COVID cases rise and threaten another harsh winter wave. 

America’s money habits, however, have almost completely gone back to pre-pandemic trends. After nearly two years of significant disruption — for better or worse — these are three examples of how the pandemic economy ended in 2022.

Could Mono Virus Or Fat Cells Be Playing Roles in Long COVID?

A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher have never met in person, but they share a prominent pandemic bond.

Plagued by eerily similar symptoms, the three women are credited with describing, naming and helping bring long COVID into the public’s consciousness in early 2020.

Nearly three years into the pandemic, scientists are still trying to figure out why some people get long COVID and why a small portion — including the three women — have lasting symptoms.

Here’s some of the latest evidence.

Here’s Where Masks Are Recommended in the Chicago Area

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Nationwide, metrics have risen since Thanksgiving, data showed, and could potentially climb higher following gatherings around Christmas. According to an update of the CDC’s county-by-county community levels map, nearly 11% of U.S. counties are at high community level status, while 41% are listed at medium.

Read more here.

88 of Illinois’ 102 Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Stay Mostly Stagnant

With many Illinois families preparing for holiday celebrations, cases of COVID-19 remain at elevated levels across the state, with three Chicago-area counties now at a “high” COVID-19 community level, according to the CDC.

CDC data shows that 88 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, up from 86 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

3 Chicago-Area Counties Reach ‘High’ COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Three Chicago-area counties are at a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across Illinois in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are recommended for all public indoor spaces.

DuPage and Kendall counties reached the designation in Thursday’s update from the CDC, with DeKalb County still sitting at the “high” status after hitting it the previous week.

Read more here.

Chicago to Issue Mask Advisory if City Reaches ‘High’ Alert Level, Mayor Says

If Chicago reaches a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the city will issue a mask advisory, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday, just ahead of the holiday weekend.

While the city and Cook County weren’t ultimately elevated to a high level this week, experts said they expect the transition is coming.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

What scientists are learning about the long COVID and something possibly even worse.

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Could Mono Virus Or Fat Cells Be Playing Roles in Long COVID?

A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher have never met in person, but they share a prominent pandemic bond.

Plagued by eerily similar symptoms, the three women are credited with describing, naming and helping bring long COVID into the public’s consciousness in early 2020.

Nearly three years into the pandemic, scientists are still trying to figure out why some people get long COVID and why a small portion — including the three women — have lasting symptoms.

Here’s some of the latest evidence.

Here’s Where Masks Are Recommended in the Chicago Area

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Nationwide, metrics have risen since Thanksgiving, data showed, and could potentially climb higher following gatherings around Christmas. According to an update of the CDC’s county-by-county community levels map, nearly 11% of U.S. counties are at high community level status, while 41% are listed at medium.

Read more here.

88 of Illinois’ 102 Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Stay Mostly Stagnant

With many Illinois families preparing for holiday celebrations, cases of COVID-19 remain at elevated levels across the state, with three Chicago-area counties now at a “high” COVID-19 community level, according to the CDC.

CDC data shows that 88 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, up from 86 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

3 Chicago-Area Counties Reach ‘High’ COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Three Chicago-area counties are at a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across Illinois in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are recommended for all public indoor spaces.

DuPage and Kendall counties reached the designation in Thursday’s update from the CDC, with DeKalb County still sitting at the “high” status after hitting it the previous week.

Read more here.

Chicago to Issue Mask Advisory if City Reaches ‘High’ Alert Level, Mayor Says

If Chicago reaches a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the city will issue a mask advisory, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday, just ahead of the holiday weekend.

While the city and Cook County weren’t ultimately elevated to a high level this week, experts said they expect the transition is coming.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

The number of counties at a “high” COVID alert level in the state rose in the last week.

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Here’s Where Masks Are Recommended in the Chicago Area

While face coverings aren’t currently recommended in the entirety of the Chicago area, masks are being advised in some portions following an uptick in COVID-19 metrics.

Nationwide, metrics have risen since Thanksgiving, data showed, and could potentially climb higher following gatherings around Christmas. According to an update of the CDC’s county-by-county community levels map, nearly 11% of U.S. counties are at high community level status, while 41% are listed at medium.

Read more here.

88 of Illinois’ 102 Counties at an Elevated COVID-19 Community Level as Cases Stay Mostly Stagnant

With many Illinois families preparing for holiday celebrations, cases of COVID-19 remain at elevated levels across the state, with three Chicago-area counties now at a “high” COVID-19 community level, according to the CDC.

CDC data shows that 88 of Illinois’ 102 counties are currently at a “high” or “medium” community level, up from 86 counties at an elevated level last week.

Read more here.

3 Chicago-Area Counties Reach ‘High’ COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Three Chicago-area counties are at a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across Illinois in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are recommended for all public indoor spaces.

DuPage and Kendall counties reached the designation in Thursday’s update from the CDC, with DeKalb County still sitting at the “high” status after hitting it the previous week.

Read more here.

Chicago to Issue Mask Advisory if City Reaches ‘High’ Alert Level, Mayor Says

If Chicago reaches a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the city will issue a mask advisory, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday, just ahead of the holiday weekend.

While the city and Cook County weren’t ultimately elevated to a high level this week, experts said they expect the transition is coming.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

Meanwhile, Chicago officials warned that a “mask advisory” would be issued if and when the city and Cook County reach such a designation.

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

3 Chicago-Area Counties Reach ‘High’ COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Three Chicago-area counties are at a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across Illinois in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are recommended for all public indoor spaces.

DuPage and Kendall counties reached the designation in Thursday’s update from the CDC, with DeKalb County still sitting at the “high” status after hitting it the previous week.

Read more here.

Chicago to Issue Mask Advisory if City Reaches ‘High’ Alert Level, Mayor Says

If Chicago reaches a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the city will issue a mask advisory, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday, just ahead of the holiday weekend.

While the city and Cook County weren’t ultimately elevated to a high level this week, experts said they expect the transition is coming.

Read more here.

Should You Mask Up for Holiday Gatherings? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc is Saying

With cases of COVID-19 and influenza continuing to climb across the Chicago area, many residents are wondering what risk holiday travel and family gatherings entail with Christmas just days away.

While CDC data shows Cook County and most of the Chicago area remaining under a “medium” COVID-19 community level, Chicago’s top doctor predicted that Cook County will be under a “high” community level very soon, when masks are officially recommended by the CDC in public settings.

Read more on what Chicago’s top doctor had to say here.

Pharmacies Limit Sales of Kids’ Medicines Amid Flu, RSV, COVID Wave: What Parents Can Do

Caring for sick children has become extra stressful recently for many U.S. parents due to shortages of Children’s Tylenol and other medicines.

Doctors and other experts say the problem could persist through the winter cold-and-flu season but should not last as long as other recent shortages of baby formula or prescription drugs.

They also say parents have alternatives if they encounter empty store shelves.

Here’s a closer look.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

White House’s Covid Coordinator Urges People to Get Vaccinated Ahead of Holidays

As Covid and flu hospitalizations have climbed in the weeks since Thanksgiving, White House’s Covid-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said families will be safer at upcoming holiday gatherings if they get their updated vaccines.

This year, hospitals are facing the simultaneous threat of Covid, flu and RSV for the first time. Circulation of flu and RSV was very low during the pandemic due to widespread masking and social distancing implemented in response to Covid, but as most people return to normal life, all three viruses are circulating widely.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’ and How Can They Help Us End the Pandemic?

At this point in the pandemic — which is weeks away from completing a third year — most people have caught COVID-19 despite best efforts to mask up, stay socially distant and inoculate against the virus.

Whether the virus caught up to you in the early days of the pandemic, last winter during the high-contagious omicron variant wave, or anywhere in between, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t come down with COVID-19. But that does not mean there aren’t people out there who have yet to test positive.

There’s a new classification for some of those lucky few who have dodged the virus: “never-coviders.”

Read more here.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Tests Positive for COVID-19

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tested positive for COVID-19, she announced Friday.

“I am thankfully not experiencing symptoms, which I attribute to being vaccinated and fully boosted,” Lightfoot said in a statement.

Lightfoot added she will follow CDC guidelines for isolation and work from home.

“This is a reminder to get vaccinated and boosted this holiday season to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe,” Lightfoot said.

Masks Recommended in Over 40 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Alert Level

Masks are encouraged in 43 out of Illinois’ 102 counties that have been raised to “high” COVID-19 community level status as a result of an uptick in weekly metrics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC data showed a total of 86 counties are at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high.” In all, 43 counties are listed at “high” status compared to 29 from the week prior, metrics showed. An additional 43 are deemed in the “medium” category, marking a slight decline from 45 counties a week earlier.

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

86 Illinois Counties at Elevated Community Level of COVID-19 as CDC Metrics Report Rise in Cases

Illinois health officials reported a total of 23,334 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 82 deaths, since Dec. 9. The metrics are up from the week prior, when officials said the state saw 21,404 new and confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 56 deaths.

According to CDC data, 86 state counties stand at an elevated community level of the virus. The number of counties are split evenly among elevated statuses, with 43 at “high” and 43 at “medium.”

Read more here.

2 Chicago-Area Counties Reach High COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Two Chicago-area counties have reached a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across the state in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are now recommended for all in public indoor spaces.

DeKalb and Kankakee counties reached the designation in this week’s update from the CDC. It follows what officials were expecting would be a post-Thanksgiving rise in transmission for the virus.

Read more here.

While Cook County remains under a “medium” risk level for the virus in the CDC’s latest update, three counties in the area hit the designation.

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

3 Chicago-Area Counties Reach ‘High’ COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Three Chicago-area counties are at a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across Illinois in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are recommended for all public indoor spaces.

DuPage and Kendall counties reached the designation in Thursday’s update from the CDC, with DeKalb County still sitting at the “high” status after hitting it the previous week.

Read more here.

Watch Live: Chicago Officials Give COVID-19 Update

Chicago’s mayor and top doctor are expected to give a COVID-19 update Thursday morning.

The update is slated to take place at 9:30 a.m. alongside other city and community leaders, the mayor’s office said.

Watch live in the player above.

Should You Mask Up for Holiday Gatherings? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc is Saying

With cases of COVID-19 and influenza continuing to climb across the Chicago area, many residents are wondering what risk holiday travel and family gatherings entail with Christmas just days away.

While CDC data shows Cook County and most of the Chicago area remaining under a “medium” COVID-19 community level, Chicago’s top doctor predicted that Cook County will be under a “high” community level very soon, when masks are officially recommended by the CDC in public settings.

Read more on what Chicago’s top doctor had to say here.

Pharmacies Limit Sales of Kids’ Medicines Amid Flu, RSV, COVID Wave: What Parents Can Do

Caring for sick children has become extra stressful recently for many U.S. parents due to shortages of Children’s Tylenol and other medicines.

Doctors and other experts say the problem could persist through the winter cold-and-flu season but should not last as long as other recent shortages of baby formula or prescription drugs.

They also say parents have alternatives if they encounter empty store shelves.

Here’s a closer look.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

White House’s Covid Coordinator Urges People to Get Vaccinated Ahead of Holidays

As Covid and flu hospitalizations have climbed in the weeks since Thanksgiving, White House’s Covid-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said families will be safer at upcoming holiday gatherings if they get their updated vaccines.

This year, hospitals are facing the simultaneous threat of Covid, flu and RSV for the first time. Circulation of flu and RSV was very low during the pandemic due to widespread masking and social distancing implemented in response to Covid, but as most people return to normal life, all three viruses are circulating widely.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’ and How Can They Help Us End the Pandemic?

At this point in the pandemic — which is weeks away from completing a third year — most people have caught COVID-19 despite best efforts to mask up, stay socially distant and inoculate against the virus.

Whether the virus caught up to you in the early days of the pandemic, last winter during the high-contagious omicron variant wave, or anywhere in between, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t come down with COVID-19. But that does not mean there aren’t people out there who have yet to test positive.

There’s a new classification for some of those lucky few who have dodged the virus: “never-coviders.”

Read more here.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Tests Positive for COVID-19

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tested positive for COVID-19, she announced Friday.

“I am thankfully not experiencing symptoms, which I attribute to being vaccinated and fully boosted,” Lightfoot said in a statement.

Lightfoot added she will follow CDC guidelines for isolation and work from home.

“This is a reminder to get vaccinated and boosted this holiday season to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe,” Lightfoot said.

Masks Recommended in Over 40 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Alert Level

Masks are encouraged in 43 out of Illinois’ 102 counties that have been raised to “high” COVID-19 community level status as a result of an uptick in weekly metrics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC data showed a total of 86 counties are at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high.” In all, 43 counties are listed at “high” status compared to 29 from the week prior, metrics showed. An additional 43 are deemed in the “medium” category, marking a slight decline from 45 counties a week earlier.

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

86 Illinois Counties at Elevated Community Level of COVID-19 as CDC Metrics Report Rise in Cases

Illinois health officials reported a total of 23,334 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 82 deaths, since Dec. 9. The metrics are up from the week prior, when officials said the state saw 21,404 new and confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 56 deaths.

According to CDC data, 86 state counties stand at an elevated community level of the virus. The number of counties are split evenly among elevated statuses, with 43 at “high” and 43 at “medium.”

Read more here.

2 Chicago-Area Counties Reach High COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Two Chicago-area counties have reached a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across the state in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are now recommended for all in public indoor spaces.

DeKalb and Kankakee counties reached the designation in this week’s update from the CDC. It follows what officials were expecting would be a post-Thanksgiving rise in transmission for the virus.

Read more here.

Experts weighed in.

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Should You Mask Up for Holiday Gatherings? Here’s What Chicago’s Top Doc is Saying

With cases of COVID-19 and influenza continuing to climb across the Chicago area, many residents are wondering what risk holiday travel and family gatherings entail with Christmas just days away.

While CDC data shows Cook County and most of the Chicago area remaining under a “medium” COVID-19 community level, Chicago’s top doctor predicted that Cook County will be under a “high” community level very soon, when masks are officially recommended by the CDC in public settings.

Read more on what Chicago’s top doctor had to say here.

Pharmacies Limit Sales of Kids’ Medicines Amid Flu, RSV, COVID Wave: What Parents Can Do

Caring for sick children has become extra stressful recently for many U.S. parents due to shortages of Children’s Tylenol and other medicines.

Doctors and other experts say the problem could persist through the winter cold-and-flu season but should not last as long as other recent shortages of baby formula or prescription drugs.

They also say parents have alternatives if they encounter empty store shelves.

Here’s a closer look.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

White House’s Covid Coordinator Urges People to Get Vaccinated Ahead of Holidays

As Covid and flu hospitalizations have climbed in the weeks since Thanksgiving, White House’s Covid-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said families will be safer at upcoming holiday gatherings if they get their updated vaccines.

This year, hospitals are facing the simultaneous threat of Covid, flu and RSV for the first time. Circulation of flu and RSV was very low during the pandemic due to widespread masking and social distancing implemented in response to Covid, but as most people return to normal life, all three viruses are circulating widely.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’ and How Can They Help Us End the Pandemic?

At this point in the pandemic — which is weeks away from completing a third year — most people have caught COVID-19 despite best efforts to mask up, stay socially distant and inoculate against the virus.

Whether the virus caught up to you in the early days of the pandemic, last winter during the high-contagious omicron variant wave, or anywhere in between, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t come down with COVID-19. But that does not mean there aren’t people out there who have yet to test positive.

There’s a new classification for some of those lucky few who have dodged the virus: “never-coviders.”

Read more here.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Tests Positive for COVID-19

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tested positive for COVID-19, she announced Friday.

“I am thankfully not experiencing symptoms, which I attribute to being vaccinated and fully boosted,” Lightfoot said in a statement.

Lightfoot added she will follow CDC guidelines for isolation and work from home.

“This is a reminder to get vaccinated and boosted this holiday season to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe,” Lightfoot said.

Masks Recommended in Over 40 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Alert Level

Masks are encouraged in 43 out of Illinois’ 102 counties that have been raised to “high” COVID-19 community level status as a result of an uptick in weekly metrics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC data showed a total of 86 counties are at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high.” In all, 43 counties are listed at “high” status compared to 29 from the week prior, metrics showed. An additional 43 are deemed in the “medium” category, marking a slight decline from 45 counties a week earlier.

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

86 Illinois Counties at Elevated Community Level of COVID-19 as CDC Metrics Report Rise in Cases

Illinois health officials reported a total of 23,334 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 82 deaths, since Dec. 9. The metrics are up from the week prior, when officials said the state saw 21,404 new and confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 56 deaths.

According to CDC data, 86 state counties stand at an elevated community level of the virus. The number of counties are split evenly among elevated statuses, with 43 at “high” and 43 at “medium.”

Read more here.

2 Chicago-Area Counties Reach High COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Two Chicago-area counties have reached a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across the state in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are now recommended for all in public indoor spaces.

DeKalb and Kankakee counties reached the designation in this week’s update from the CDC. It follows what officials were expecting would be a post-Thanksgiving rise in transmission for the virus.

Read more here.

Hint: it’s not just someone who hasn’t had COVID yet.

Plus, leading up to the holidays, some pharmacies are limiting sales of kids’ medicines amid a way of flu, RSV and COVID.

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Pharmacies Limit Sales of Kids’ Medicines Amid Flu, RSV, COVID Wave: What Parents Can Do

Caring for sick children has become extra stressful recently for many U.S. parents due to shortages of Children’s Tylenol and other medicines.

Doctors and other experts say the problem could persist through the winter cold-and-flu season but should not last as long as other recent shortages of baby formula or prescription drugs.

They also say parents have alternatives if they encounter empty store shelves.

Here’s a closer look.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’?

Not to be confused with people who have not yet caught COVID-19, researchers believe the section of the population that are naturally immune to the virus (never-coviders) won’t ever get sick.

Watch here.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

White House’s Covid Coordinator Urges People to Get Vaccinated Ahead of Holidays

As Covid and flu hospitalizations have climbed in the weeks since Thanksgiving, White House’s Covid-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said families will be safer at upcoming holiday gatherings if they get their updated vaccines.

This year, hospitals are facing the simultaneous threat of Covid, flu and RSV for the first time. Circulation of flu and RSV was very low during the pandemic due to widespread masking and social distancing implemented in response to Covid, but as most people return to normal life, all three viruses are circulating widely.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’ and How Can They Help Us End the Pandemic?

At this point in the pandemic — which is weeks away from completing a third year — most people have caught COVID-19 despite best efforts to mask up, stay socially distant and inoculate against the virus.

Whether the virus caught up to you in the early days of the pandemic, last winter during the high-contagious omicron variant wave, or anywhere in between, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t come down with COVID-19. But that does not mean there aren’t people out there who have yet to test positive.

There’s a new classification for some of those lucky few who have dodged the virus: “never-coviders.”

Read more here.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Tests Positive for COVID-19

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tested positive for COVID-19, she announced Friday.

“I am thankfully not experiencing symptoms, which I attribute to being vaccinated and fully boosted,” Lightfoot said in a statement.

Lightfoot added she will follow CDC guidelines for isolation and work from home.

“This is a reminder to get vaccinated and boosted this holiday season to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe,” Lightfoot said.

Masks Recommended in Over 40 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Alert Level

Masks are encouraged in 43 out of Illinois’ 102 counties that have been raised to “high” COVID-19 community level status as a result of an uptick in weekly metrics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC data showed a total of 86 counties are at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high.” In all, 43 counties are listed at “high” status compared to 29 from the week prior, metrics showed. An additional 43 are deemed in the “medium” category, marking a slight decline from 45 counties a week earlier.

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

86 Illinois Counties at Elevated Community Level of COVID-19 as CDC Metrics Report Rise in Cases

Illinois health officials reported a total of 23,334 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 82 deaths, since Dec. 9. The metrics are up from the week prior, when officials said the state saw 21,404 new and confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 56 deaths.

According to CDC data, 86 state counties stand at an elevated community level of the virus. The number of counties are split evenly among elevated statuses, with 43 at “high” and 43 at “medium.”

Read more here.

2 Chicago-Area Counties Reach High COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Two Chicago-area counties have reached a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across the state in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are now recommended for all in public indoor spaces.

DeKalb and Kankakee counties reached the designation in this week’s update from the CDC. It follows what officials were expecting would be a post-Thanksgiving rise in transmission for the virus.

Read more here.

With three respiratory viruses floating around, driving hospitalizations, what can you do to protect yourself ahead of the holidays?

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

You Can Get Free COVID Tests From the Government. Here’s How

Once again, U.S. residents can get free COVID tests delivered right to their homes.

The Biden Administration announced Dec. 15 that it’s offering households four rapid virus tests through covidtests.gov, so how can you get yours?

Read more here.

White House’s Covid Coordinator Urges People to Get Vaccinated Ahead of Holidays

As Covid and flu hospitalizations have climbed in the weeks since Thanksgiving, White House’s Covid-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said families will be safer at upcoming holiday gatherings if they get their updated vaccines.

This year, hospitals are facing the simultaneous threat of Covid, flu and RSV for the first time. Circulation of flu and RSV was very low during the pandemic due to widespread masking and social distancing implemented in response to Covid, but as most people return to normal life, all three viruses are circulating widely.

Read more here.

What Are ‘Never-Coviders’ and How Can They Help Us End the Pandemic?

At this point in the pandemic — which is weeks away from completing a third year — most people have caught COVID-19 despite best efforts to mask up, stay socially distant and inoculate against the virus.

Whether the virus caught up to you in the early days of the pandemic, last winter during the high-contagious omicron variant wave, or anywhere in between, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t come down with COVID-19. But that does not mean there aren’t people out there who have yet to test positive.

There’s a new classification for some of those lucky few who have dodged the virus: “never-coviders.”

Read more here.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Tests Positive for COVID-19

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tested positive for COVID-19, she announced Friday.

“I am thankfully not experiencing symptoms, which I attribute to being vaccinated and fully boosted,” Lightfoot said in a statement.

Lightfoot added she will follow CDC guidelines for isolation and work from home.

“This is a reminder to get vaccinated and boosted this holiday season to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe,” Lightfoot said.

Masks Recommended in Over 40 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Alert Level

Masks are encouraged in 43 out of Illinois’ 102 counties that have been raised to “high” COVID-19 community level status as a result of an uptick in weekly metrics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC data showed a total of 86 counties are at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high.” In all, 43 counties are listed at “high” status compared to 29 from the week prior, metrics showed. An additional 43 are deemed in the “medium” category, marking a slight decline from 45 counties a week earlier.

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

86 Illinois Counties at Elevated Community Level of COVID-19 as CDC Metrics Report Rise in Cases

Illinois health officials reported a total of 23,334 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 82 deaths, since Dec. 9. The metrics are up from the week prior, when officials said the state saw 21,404 new and confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 56 deaths.

According to CDC data, 86 state counties stand at an elevated community level of the virus. The number of counties are split evenly among elevated statuses, with 43 at “high” and 43 at “medium.”

Read more here.

2 Chicago-Area Counties Reach High COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Two Chicago-area counties have reached a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across the state in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are now recommended for all in public indoor spaces.

DeKalb and Kankakee counties reached the designation in this week’s update from the CDC. It follows what officials were expecting would be a post-Thanksgiving rise in transmission for the virus.

Read more here.

How to Get New Free COVID Tests From the Government and When

Home across the U.S. will once again be able to get free COVID test kits from the government this winter.

After a three-month hiatus, the Biden Administration is making four rapid virus tests available through covidtests.gov starting Thursday.

Here’s what to know about the program and how to order your tests.

After Post-Thanksgiving Bump, COVID Metrics Remain Steady in Illinois, Data Suggests

The state of Illinois saw increases in both COVID cases and hospitalizations in the days after the Thanksgiving holiday, but those numbers have flattened considerably in recent days.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state is currently averaging 3,232 cases of the virus per day. As of Wednesday, Illinois has reported 1,667 individuals that are hospitalized due to COVID-19 symptoms.

While both of those numbers are higher than they were in early November, they represent a flattening in metrics in recent days.

Read more here.

Hospitalizations Signal Rising COVID-19 Risk for US Seniors

Coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States, with older adults a growing share of U.S. deaths and less than half of nursing home residents up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

These alarming signs portend a difficult winter for seniors.

One troubling indicator for seniors: Hospitalizations for people with COVID-19 rose by more than 30% in two weeks. Much of the increase is driven by older people and those with existing health problems, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers include everyone testing positive, no matter why they are admitted.

Read more here.

There’s a Concerning Amount of COVID in Chicago Wastewater Right Now. Here’s What That Could Signal

As COVID-19 cases continue to spike across Illinois, a concerning sign in Chicago shows that the increase is likely to continue in the coming weeks.

According to Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, elevated levels of COVID-19 have been detected in the city’s wastewater in recent weeks.

“Our wastewater sampling is actually at a high concern and that is consistent with what we’re seeing across the country,” Arwady said earlier this week, reflecting on the rise in cases that has affected much of the U.S.

Read more here.

Should You Wear a Mask Right Now? Here’s What Experts Suggest and What Chicago’s Top Doc is Doing

COVID cases have risen dramatically in parts of the country since Thanksgiving, leading some health agencies to recommend that people wear face masks once again.

Such recommendations are in place in approximately 9% of the country, which is currently listed at “high” COVID-19 community level status, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of increases in metrics such as case numbers and hospitalizations, masks are recommended in those areas.

Read more here.

Masks Recommended in 29 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Level Status

Masks are encouraged in 29 out of Illinois’ 102 counties that have been raised to “high” COVID-19 community level status as a result of an uptick in weekly metrics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC data showed a total of 74 counties, which accounts for nearly 73% of Illinois, are at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high.” In all, 29 counties are listed at “high” status compared to 12 from the week prior, data showed. Forty five are deemed in the “medium” category, marking a decline from 51 counties a week earlier.

Read more here.

74 Illinois Counties at Elevated Community Level of COVID-19 as Cases Jump Across the State

COVID-19 cases have significantly risen across Illinois within the past week, with 74 counties now at an elevated community level of the virus. Twenty-nine of the 74 counties are now at a “high” community level of COVID-19, up from 12 last week, according to CDC data.

All counties in the Chicago metropolitan area are now at a “medium” COVID-19 community level, where masks are recommended for those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease. Overall, 45 Illinois counties are at that same level.

Read more here.

Two Chicago-area counties have risen to the highest COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining 41 other counties across the state. But what does that mean for you?

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Tests Positive for COVID-19

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tested positive for COVID-19, she announced Friday.

“I am thankfully not experiencing symptoms, which I attribute to being vaccinated and fully boosted,” Lightfoot said in a statement.

Lightfoot added she will follow CDC guidelines for isolation and work from home.

“This is a reminder to get vaccinated and boosted this holiday season to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe,” Lightfoot said.

Masks Recommended in Over 40 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Alert Level

Masks are encouraged in 43 out of Illinois’ 102 counties that have been raised to “high” COVID-19 community level status as a result of an uptick in weekly metrics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC data showed a total of 86 counties are at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high.” In all, 43 counties are listed at “high” status compared to 29 from the week prior, metrics showed. An additional 43 are deemed in the “medium” category, marking a slight decline from 45 counties a week earlier.

Read more here.

You Can Now Get Both a Flu and COVID Test at Walgreens. Here’s How

As highly-transmissible respiratory illnesses circulate, Walgreens announced rapid flu testing is available now alongside COVID testing at select pharmacies.

The move is intended to curb the spread of viruses by helping communities identify and manage their ailments as the holiday season pans out, the pharmaceutical company said Friday in a press release.

Read more here.

86 Illinois Counties at Elevated Community Level of COVID-19 as CDC Metrics Report Rise in Cases

Illinois health officials reported a total of 23,334 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 82 deaths, since Dec. 9. The metrics are up from the week prior, when officials said the state saw 21,404 new and confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 56 deaths.

According to CDC data, 86 state counties stand at an elevated community level of the virus. The number of counties are split evenly among elevated statuses, with 43 at “high” and 43 at “medium.”

Read more here.

2 Chicago-Area Counties Reach High COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended

Two Chicago-area counties have reached a “high” COVID alert level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining dozens of other counties across the state in reaching the highest community level, which dictates that masks are now recommended for all in public indoor spaces.

DeKalb and Kankakee counties reached the designation in this week’s update from the CDC. It follows what officials were expecting would be a post-Thanksgiving rise in transmission for the virus.

Read more here.

How to Get New Free COVID Tests From the Government and When

Home across the U.S. will once again be able to get free COVID test kits from the government this winter.

After a three-month hiatus, the Biden Administration is making four rapid virus tests available through covidtests.gov starting Thursday.

Here’s what to know about the program and how to order your tests.

After Post-Thanksgiving Bump, COVID Metrics Remain Steady in Illinois, Data Suggests

The state of Illinois saw increases in both COVID cases and hospitalizations in the days after the Thanksgiving holiday, but those numbers have flattened considerably in recent days.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state is currently averaging 3,232 cases of the virus per day. As of Wednesday, Illinois has reported 1,667 individuals that are hospitalized due to COVID-19 symptoms.

While both of those numbers are higher than they were in early November, they represent a flattening in metrics in recent days.

Read more here.

Hospitalizations Signal Rising COVID-19 Risk for US Seniors

Coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States, with older adults a growing share of U.S. deaths and less than half of nursing home residents up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

These alarming signs portend a difficult winter for seniors.

One troubling indicator for seniors: Hospitalizations for people with COVID-19 rose by more than 30% in two weeks. Much of the increase is driven by older people and those with existing health problems, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers include everyone testing positive, no matter why they are admitted.

Read more here.

There’s a Concerning Amount of COVID in Chicago Wastewater Right Now. Here’s What That Could Signal

As COVID-19 cases continue to spike across Illinois, a concerning sign in Chicago shows that the increase is likely to continue in the coming weeks.

According to Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, elevated levels of COVID-19 have been detected in the city’s wastewater in recent weeks.

“Our wastewater sampling is actually at a high concern and that is consistent with what we’re seeing across the country,” Arwady said earlier this week, reflecting on the rise in cases that has affected much of the U.S.

Read more here.

Should You Wear a Mask Right Now? Here’s What Experts Suggest and What Chicago’s Top Doc is Doing

COVID cases have risen dramatically in parts of the country since Thanksgiving, leading some health agencies to recommend that people wear face masks once again.

Such recommendations are in place in approximately 9% of the country, which is currently listed at “high” COVID-19 community level status, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of increases in metrics such as case numbers and hospitalizations, masks are recommended in those areas.

Read more here.

Masks Recommended in 29 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Level Status

Masks are encouraged in 29 out of Illinois’ 102 counties that have been raised to “high” COVID-19 community level status as a result of an uptick in weekly metrics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC data showed a total of 74 counties, which accounts for nearly 73% of Illinois, are at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high.” In all, 29 counties are listed at “high” status compared to 12 from the week prior, data showed. Forty five are deemed in the “medium” category, marking a decline from 51 counties a week earlier.

Read more here.

74 Illinois Counties at Elevated Community Level of COVID-19 as Cases Jump Across the State

COVID-19 cases have significantly risen across Illinois within the past week, with 74 counties now at an elevated community level of the virus. Twenty-nine of the 74 counties are now at a “high” community level of COVID-19, up from 12 last week, according to CDC data.

All counties in the Chicago metropolitan area are now at a “medium” COVID-19 community level, where masks are recommended for those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease. Overall, 45 Illinois counties are at that same level.

Read more here.

But what do you need to do and when?

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.

Chicago’s Top Doctor, Lurie Children’s Hospital to Hold News Conference

Chicago’s top doctor and experts from Lurie Children’s Hospital are hosting a news conference Thursday afternoon to address the upcoming holiday season and winter weather as they mark the two-year anniversary of the first COVID vaccines administered in the city.

The announcement comes after federal health officials recently opened eligibility for the new bivalent booster shots to children under the age of 5, a move which experts also plan to deliver an update on.

The press conference is slated to take place at 1 p.m. and can be watched live in the player above at that time.

How to Get New Free COVID Tests From the Government and When

Home across the U.S. will once again be able to get free COVID test kits from the government this winter.

After a three-month hiatus, the Biden Administration is making four rapid virus tests available through covidtests.gov starting Thursday.

Here’s what to know about the program and how to order your tests.

After Post-Thanksgiving Bump, COVID Metrics Remain Steady in Illinois, Data Suggests

The state of Illinois saw increases in both COVID cases and hospitalizations in the days after the Thanksgiving holiday, but those numbers have flattened considerably in recent days.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state is currently averaging 3,232 cases of the virus per day. As of Wednesday, Illinois has reported 1,667 individuals that are hospitalized due to COVID-19 symptoms.

While both of those numbers are higher than they were in early November, they represent a flattening in metrics in recent days.

Read more here.

Hospitalizations Signal Rising COVID-19 Risk for US Seniors

Coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States, with older adults a growing share of U.S. deaths and less than half of nursing home residents up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

These alarming signs portend a difficult winter for seniors.

One troubling indicator for seniors: Hospitalizations for people with COVID-19 rose by more than 30% in two weeks. Much of the increase is driven by older people and those with existing health problems, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers include everyone testing positive, no matter why they are admitted.

Read more here.

There’s a Concerning Amount of COVID in Chicago Wastewater Right Now. Here’s What That Could Signal

As COVID-19 cases continue to spike across Illinois, a concerning sign in Chicago shows that the increase is likely to continue in the coming weeks.

According to Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, elevated levels of COVID-19 have been detected in the city’s wastewater in recent weeks.

“Our wastewater sampling is actually at a high concern and that is consistent with what we’re seeing across the country,” Arwady said earlier this week, reflecting on the rise in cases that has affected much of the U.S.

Read more here.

Should You Wear a Mask Right Now? Here’s What Experts Suggest and What Chicago’s Top Doc is Doing

COVID cases have risen dramatically in parts of the country since Thanksgiving, leading some health agencies to recommend that people wear face masks once again.

Such recommendations are in place in approximately 9% of the country, which is currently listed at “high” COVID-19 community level status, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of increases in metrics such as case numbers and hospitalizations, masks are recommended in those areas.

Read more here.

Masks Recommended in 29 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Level Status

Masks are encouraged in 29 out of Illinois’ 102 counties that have been raised to “high” COVID-19 community level status as a result of an uptick in weekly metrics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC data showed a total of 74 counties, which accounts for nearly 73% of Illinois, are at an elevated status of either “medium” or “high.” In all, 29 counties are listed at “high” status compared to 12 from the week prior, data showed. Forty five are deemed in the “medium” category, marking a decline from 51 counties a week earlier.

Read more here.

74 Illinois Counties at Elevated Community Level of COVID-19 as Cases Jump Across the State

COVID-19 cases have significantly risen across Illinois within the past week, with 74 counties now at an elevated community level of the virus. Twenty-nine of the 74 counties are now at a “high” community level of COVID-19, up from 12 last week, according to CDC data.

All counties in the Chicago metropolitan area are now at a “medium” COVID-19 community level, where masks are recommended for those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease. Overall, 45 Illinois counties are at that same level.

Read more here.