For the primary time because the finish of Illinois’ masks mandate, residents in all 102 counties can safely go to public indoor areas with out carrying masks, knowledge reveals.
In the meantime, spring break season is taking off throughout the nation and TSA is bracing for a spike in journey quantity that may surpass 90% of pre-pandemic ranges.
Here is what you should know in regards to the coronavirus pandemic throughout Illinois immediately:
Masks No Longer Really useful in Any of Illinois’ 102 Counties, CDC Says
For the primary time because the finish of Illinois’ masks mandate, residents in all 102 counties can safely go to public indoor areas with out carrying masks, based on Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention tips.
All Illinois counties have been listed within the low class on the CDC’s COVID-19 group stage map Thursday, which means masks can safely be eliminated.
Beneath metrics launched per week earlier, masks had solely been advisable in Johnson County, which had been ranked as a excessive group stage – the very best stage of COVID-19 danger.
Learn extra here.
The Newest Masks Steering and Journey Ideas Forward of a Busy Spring Break Journey Weekend
This spring break season, the Transportation Safety Administration is bracing for a spike in journey quantity that may surpass 90% of pre-pandemic ranges for March.
For United Airways, this weekend is predicted to be one of many busiest for spring break journey.
With COVID restrictions rescinded in a lot of the nation, individuals are seizing the chance to get away and absorb completely different sights. Regardless of relaxed mitigations, the TSA’s masks mandate stays in place.
Beneath the mandate, masks are required on buses, trains and airplanes in addition to at transportation amenities till April 18.
Learn extra here.
What’s BA.2 or ‘Stealth Omicron’? What to Know as Circumstances Overseas Spark Concern
The BA.2 variant is starting to develop in elements of the U.S. and is believed to be behind quite a lot of COVID will increase in a number of international locations, so what precisely is it and what does the change imply as restrictions proceed to ease?
Chicago’s prime physician mentioned Thursday it stays unclear what impact the BA.2 subvariant may have on the town’s battle in opposition to COVID, although she is “involved” by what is occurring in different elements of the world.
Here’s what we know so far about BA.2.
Coronavirus in Illinois: 7K New Circumstances, 123 Deaths in Final Week as Decline Continues
Illinois well being officers reported 7,467 new COVID-19 instances over the previous week, together with 123 extra deaths and over 56,000 new vaccine doses administered, marking a continued drop in instances and deaths.
The earlier week, the state reported 8,519 new instances and 149 deaths. The week earlier than that, 10,462 new instances and 272 deaths have been reported.
Extra on the state’s newest COVID metrics here.
Specialists Say New COVID Variants Seemingly, However How Extreme Will They Be?
Whereas many are intently watching omicron subvariant BA.2 and the so-called “deltacron” hybrid pressure, some consultants have prompt that new COVID variants might arrive within the coming months.
Based mostly on how rapidly new variants have arisen, some have predicted the following variant might arrive as early as Might.
Public well being officers in Chicago mentioned they’re “actually anticipating extra variants to emerge,” nevertheless it stays unclear if such variants might be roughly extreme than earlier strains. There’s one factor they’re watching, although, that they imagine might make a distinction.
Learn extra here.
Why Chicago Well being Officers Say They Are ‘Involved’ About COVID Developments in Europe
With COVID upticks being seen throughout elements of Europe, many coinciding with an increase in BA.2 or “stealth omicron” instances, what does that sign for the U.S. as restrictions ease?
Chicago’s prime physician mentioned Thursday she is especially involved in regards to the state of Europe’s COVID instances.
“I will be trustworthy, I’m involved about what’s occurring in Europe as a result of I believe there’s not a full understanding of it,” Chicago Division of Public Well being Director Dr. Allison Arwady mentioned throughout a Fb Stay Thursday.
Learn extra here.
How Frightened Ought to You Be About BA.2 or ‘Stealth Omicron’? Here is What Chicago Specialists Say
With COVID outbreaks being reported in quite a lot of international locations around the globe, and upticks being seen throughout Europe, many coinciding with an increase in BA.2 or “stealth omicron” instances, how apprehensive must you be?
Chicago’s prime physician mentioned Thursday it stays unclear what impact the BA.2 subvariant may have on the town’s battle in opposition to COVID, although she is “involved” by what is occurring in different elements of the world.
CPS Masks-Non-compulsory Coverage Upheld by State Labor Board Amid Objections by Chicago Lecturers Union
A state labor board has rejected the Chicago Lecturers Union’s request to quickly block Chicago Public Faculties’ masks non-compulsory coverage whereas the union’s authorized problem performs out.
The Illinois Training Labor Relations Board’s 3-2 vote Wednesday in opposition to a preliminary injunction comes as a disappointment to the union in its effort to instantly reinstate common face coverings at CPS. However the union’s case in opposition to the district continues and may very well be expedited for a listening to as quickly as subsequent month.
Learn extra here.
Scientists Discover Potential Hyperlinks Between COVID-19 And Diabetes
It’s clear that in those that have already got diabetes, COVID-19 can worsen the situation and result in extreme problems. However there are different doable hyperlinks.
Rising proof reveals that the coronavirus — like another viruses — can assault insulin-producing cells within the pancreas — a course of which may set off no less than short-term diabetes in inclined folks. Rising instances may additionally mirror circumstances involving pandemic restrictions, together with delayed medical look after early indicators of diabetes or unhealthy consuming habits and inactivity in folks already in danger for Sort 2 diabetes.
Learn extra here.
COVID by the Numbers: Illinois Case Numbers Start to Flatten After Lengthy Decline
After a protracted decline from the heights of the omicron variant, Illinois’ COVID case numbers have begun to flatten out, together with the state’s hospitalization charges.
In line with the most recent figures from the Illinois Division of Public Well being, the state reported 1,574 instances of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the each day common to 1,251 new instances per day.
That represents a slight improve from March 8, when the state’s common hit its low-point of 1,114 new instances per day, based on IDPH knowledge.
Learn extra here.
Which COVID Vaccine Will Be Greatest for Youngsters Beneath 5?
With masks coming off in a number of states and plenty of COVID restrictions lifting within the U.S., many are anxiously awaiting information that youngsters below the age of 5 may very well be eligible for vaccination.
Already, Chicago has lifted its masking and vaccination mandates and Illinois has lifted its indoor masks and college masks mandates. On Monday, Chicago Public Faculties started a mask-optional coverage.
The altering tips surrounding COVID not simply in Illinois have many mother and father questioning how greatest to guard their youngsters.
Whereas the race is on to get the youngest members of the inhabitants vaccinated, which vaccine will work greatest?
COVID, Chilly, Allergy symptoms: How Can You Inform the Distinction in Signs?
For those who’re questioning whether or not that runny nostril, sore throat or sneeze is solely allergic reactions, only a chilly, or probably indicators of COVID-19, you are not alone.
With many experiencing cold-like signs, and with the beginning of spring allergic reactions, it may be arduous to decipher what may very well be behind the onset of signs.
Specialists say the one actual method to know the reply is to check, however till then, well being officers say to deal with any doable signs as COVID.
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