New cases of COVID-19 are up sharply statewide and across the region.
In the last week, Illinois recorded more than 42,000 new cases of coronavirus - marking a dramatic spike not seen in nearly a year. State leaders point out the number of tests is also up - but that increase is not as not as large as the jump in cases.
Positivity rates statewide and in this area are up, too - 4.7% for all of Illinois, 5.4% for southern Illinois. Hospitalizations are up - nearly 2,600 people are hospitalized with COVID as of this week.
Local counties also saw big bumps in positivity - Williamson County reported the largest number of new cases at 268; Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, and Marion each saw more than 100 new cases over the last week.
Experts say as activities have moved indoors, and holiday gatherings are on the rise, COVID-19 can spread more easily from person to person. They're asking everyone to remember masking, distancing, and hand washing in addition to the vaccines - available for anyone five years and older.
