In Illinois, do you think mitigation measures will be strengthened as COVID indicators rise?Governor Pritzker’s Remarks – NBC Chicago

As Illinois health officials reported an increase in COVID-19 indicators across the state over the past week, Governor JB Pritzkar considered whether coronavirus mitigation would be enhanced in the region.

“We’re always looking at everything that has happened in the last few years, but what we really focus on is making sure people follow masking requirements indoors,” Pritzker said. Said at an unrelated press conference on Friday. “Thanks to everyone doing it.”

When asked about how to deal with Chicago authorities considering establishing additional COVID mitigation measures, Pritzker should “make sure to consider stricter mitigation measures” if there is a good reason. Said that.

On Friday, Illinois health officials Reported an increase in almost all COVID indicators. With 49,668 new cases, 266 deaths increased last week, up from 42,559 cases and 182 additional deaths last week.

The state’s seven-day positive rate on all tests has risen from 5.6% this week to 5.8%, officials said. However, the 7-day moving average positive rate for the entire test decreased from 4.7% a week ago to 4.3%.

As of midnight Thursday, 3,257 patients were hospitalized for state COVID. Of these patients, 662 are in the ICU bed and 299 are on ventilator.

Earlier this week, a new report showed that Illinois was among the six states that accounted for more than half of recent COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States.Data recorded by US Department of Health and Human Services Between November 10th and December 5th, Illinois has indicated that it has added 1,187 COVID hospitalizations.

As of Wednesday, all 102 counties in Illinois Experienced “highly infected” levels of COVIDMany have also achieved dramatic growth in other metrics designed to show how rapidly the virus is spreading.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the county’s COVID to be “highly infected” if more than 100 residents per 100,000 people are infected with the virus in a particular week.

Winnebago County officials Issued a disaster declaration With the increasing number of COVID cases and hospitalizations in the area.

In a press release, Winnebago County President Joseph Chiarelli declared a seven-day regional disaster dating back to Wednesday.

According to the release, the Declaration will provide additional support to the Winnebago County Health Department, and to the county and Rockford City emergency management agencies.

COVID indicators are also increasing across Chicago, so city health officials this week elaborate on what steps can be taken to curb the rise, such as providing evidence of vaccination and setting capacity limits. Did.

There is at least one case as the new Omicron COVID-19 variant continues to spread throughout the United States. Specific in ChicagoHealth officials say the city may begin demanding proof of vaccination status in public places.

At a live Facebook event, Chicago Public Health Director Dr. Allison Arwadi said some private institutions have already begun demanding vaccination proof, and the city could follow suit.

“May we start asking for vaccination certification for more activities and public spaces? Yes, I think so,” Arwady said. “I’m certainly more interested in it than having to perform some of the major shutdowns.”

She said Chicago would continue to demand masks indoors, demand virus vaccination of city workers, and encourage hand washing and increased social distance as COVID cases increase throughout the city.

Earlier, Chicago officials provided proof of vaccination requirements similar to New York City for indoor dining, restaurants, bars, gyms, and other locations. It wasn’t “from the table”.

Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Chicago’s Alderman in District 35, said authorities would limit capacity thresholds at various facilities, similar to what the city did during last year’s massive COVID surge. He said he may consider mitigation measures.

“One option is to limit the number of people who can attend bars and restaurants, perhaps 50% or less,” Rosa said.

He added that residents should not be worried about potential policies, as authorities have done so “with very good results” across the United States.

On Monday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said her administration had no plans to establish employee vaccine requirements similar to New York City. New York City plans to enact employee vaccine requirements later this year.

Wrightfoot said in the availability of the press on Monday that he did not expect a similar mission to take effect in Chicago, and there is real doubt as to whether such a requirement would pass judicial review. Said.

“I don’t know that here in the city of Chicago,” she said. “And frankly, the question is whether to keep what such things always come as a judicial review.”

Lightfoot requires all city employees to be vaccinated against COVID or undergo biweekly inspections, but many companies and venue efforts to implement different requirements for customers and attendees. I am grateful to you. COVID vaccination or negative COVID test to enter the establishment.

“I’m encouraged and encourage all types of employers to make sure they’re doing everything they can to maximize workplace safety, as we did.” She said.

With the increasing number of cases of COVID and the emergence of the Omicron variant in the United States, Lightfoot says that taking steps to promote vaccination and social distance is the key to maintaining the safety of the population. I am saying.

“A pandemic is a reality.” It never goes away, “she said.