Gov. JB Pritzker warns every region in the state is still on the wrong trajectory for COVID-19 cases.
That includes Region 2 that includes the Greater Peoria area, as well as Macomb, Galesburg, the Quad Cities, Starved Rock Country, and Bloomington-Normal. It's currently the state's best-performing region overall--though Pritzker notes that doesn't mean much.
"A 7.2% positivity average is nothing to write home about. And that's on top of a slight uptick in hospitalizations this month after leveling off in August and September," the governor said during an appearance Monday in Peoria.
On Monday, Pritkzer announced tightened restrictions for suburban Cook County and the Metro East suburbs of St. Louis. Northwestern Illinois, southern Illinois, and some of the collar counties already are under rules limiting gatherings, along with indoor restaurant and bar service in an effort to tamp down the virus' spread.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported more than 4,700 new confirmed cases and 17 deaths on Monday. The statewide 7-day positivity rate average was 6.3% through Sunday.
"I can tell you that the number of cases, hospitalizations, people in intensive care, and people who are dying continues to increase," said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, who accompanied the governor.
That's also true in Region 2, according to Dr. Mike Cruz, chief operating officer of Peoria-based OSF HealthCare.
"We've definitely escalated the number of patients who come to us," Cruz said. "I can suggest that of the 22 hospitals surrounding this area, all but two have patients with COVID-19. Our ICUs, in general, are pretty full, and so are their use of ventilators."
Cruz said those hospitalized patients span all ages, including those who are otherwise healthy.
Peoria City/County Health Department Administrator Monica Hendrickson said the county is averaging 55 new cases per day, a jump of 10 cases since last week. She said the 7-day average for cases is now over 100-- the highest since the pandemic began.
As of Monday, Peoria County reported 4,638 cases. Tazewell reports 2,677; and Woodford, 656, for a Tri-County total of 7,971 confirmed cases and 138 deaths.
"Our own internal model at the Peoria City/County Health Department indicates that we will end 2020 with close to 9,000 cases to date, if we continue on this trajectory," Hendrickson said.
But Hendrickson said that's a rosy picture that assumes the current path continues. The next two months present new challenges in the forms of colder weather pushing people indoors, holiday celebrations, and deeping pandemic fatigue leading to more complacency, she said.
"So no matter where in Illinois you call home, remember that this is not over. There seems to be a COVID storm on the rise, and we have to get prepared," said Pritzker, emphasizing that includes continuing to follow basic public health guidelines like handwashing, wearing face coverings, and socially distancing.
He also said testing remains the most important tool in the toolkit for fighting the novel coronavirus. Pritzker said testing is up 20% in Region 2 just in the last two weeks alone.
Locally, testing is available at the state-run Peoria Civic Center site, the Heartland Health Services East Bluff clinic, and at the state pop-up sites throughout Region 2.
There's no subscription fee to listen or read our stories. Everyone can access this essential public service thanks to community support. Donate now, and help fund your public media.
Copyright 2020 WCBU