The number of new COVID infections in Illinois continued to creep up this week - with more than 35,000 new cases recorded since last week.
Through the month of July, Illinois' number of new cases grew each week - at 27,500 on July 8th to this week. Health officials say the actual total is likely higher - with many people testing positive using home tests, and not reporting to local agencies.
Ninety-seven of Illinois' 102 counties are listed in high or medium levels of community transmission. In our region, every county except Alexander, Hamilton, and White are rated "high," while the remaining three are "medium."
Experts say people at high risk for serious illness - including the unvaccinated, and others with risk factors - should consider wearing a mask when inside public spaces, and avoid large crowds.
Nearly 1,500 patients are hospitalized statewide with COVID, with 153 of them in the ICU and 43 on ventilators. Overall, the state has logged more than 3.5 million COVID infections since the pandemic began. More than 34,000 people have died in Illinois.
