 While hospitalizations and deaths tied to COVID-19
remain stable at this time, we are seeing a slow increase in cases
in many areas of the State, said Acting IDPH Director Amaal Tokars.
This is a reminder that we all need to remain vigilant and remain
up to date on our vaccination status. This is especially important
for those who are at higher risk for serious outcomes.
Tokars stressed that vaccination is the most effective tool we have
to fight the virus and that it is easy to find a COVID-19
vaccination location near you by either calling your local health
provider or going to
www.vaccines.gov.
The State of Illinois remains strongly positioned to respond in the
event of a new COVID-19 surge. The State stockpile of tests has been
replenished, with more than 1.5 million rapid tests on hand, and a
half a million more on the way. In addition, hospitals, schools, and
long term care facilities have been urged take steps to increase
their current testing capacity.
The State is also supporting pharmacies and healthcare providers in
efforts to increase their inventories of the various FDA-authorized
treatments in case of another surge. IDPH is advising providers to
assess their patients quickly, within five days of the onset of
symptoms, after a COVID-19 diagnosis to determine if they are
eligible for treatment.
IDPH is also reminding the public about the recent guidance from the
CDC that authorized a second booster dose for certain segments of
the population at least four months after the first booster dose.
This includes adults over 50 years of age, and people who are
immunocompromised - those with a poor ability to fight infections -
over 12 years old.
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State health officials are stressing the following
precautions, which are critically important for those who are at
high risk for serious illness:
Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on recommended booster shots to
protect yourself, your loved ones and friends.
If you are in an area with rising COVID-19 infections, wear a mask
if entering indoor spaces with other people present and consider
avoiding large gatherings.
Stick to well-ventilated areas if you are not wearing a mask
indoors around other people.
If you feel flu-like symptoms, self-isolate and stay home from
work as well as social gatherings; and obtain a test as quickly as
possible.
If you test positive, talk to your provider immediately so you can
get COVID-19 treatment within five days of starting to feel sick.
Also, communicate about the positive result with any persons you
have been in close contact within two days of falling sick or
testing positive.
Continue to frequently wash your hands and cover coughs and
sneezes.
For more information, go to:
https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html.
The federal government recently established a new website that
provides an all-purpose toolkit that provides information on how to
obtain masks, treatment, vaccines and testing resources for all
areas of the country at:
https://www.covid.gov/.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
