Data from SIU's School of Medicine shows a dramatic jump in COVID cases and test positivity over the last several weeks.
In the Carbondale region, the statistics show a 300% increases in new COVID cases over the last six weeks. By comparison, the jump was 265% in the Metro East and 389% in the Springfield area.
School of Medicine leaders say the vast majority of those cases are still Delta variant... but the region should be prepared for another surge as Omicron continues to spread.
In addition, recent studies show people who've gotten either the Moderna or Pfizer booster shots are much more likely to avoid this new COVID variant, or to get a mild case of COVID if it's able to break through the immunity.
Experts say it's important to get vaccinated - and get a booster if you're eligible.
