For the primary time for the reason that finish of Illinois’ masks mandate, residents in all 102 counties can safely go to public indoor areas with out carrying masks, knowledge exhibits.
In the meantime, spring break season is taking off throughout the nation and TSA is bracing for a spike in journey quantity that can surpass 90% of pre-pandemic ranges.
Here is what you might want to 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 for the reason that 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 pointers.
All Illinois counties have been listed within the low class on the CDC’s COVID-19 group degree map Thursday, that means masks can safely be eliminated.
Below metrics launched per week earlier, masks had solely been really helpful in Johnson County, which had been ranked as a excessive group degree – the best degree 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 can 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With COVID restrictions rescinded in a lot of the nation, persons are seizing the chance to get away and soak up totally different sights. Regardless of relaxed mitigations, the TSA’s masks mandate stays in place.
Below the mandate, masks are required on buses, trains and airplanes in addition to at transportation services till April 18.
Learn extra here.
What’s BA.2 or ‘Stealth Omicron’? What to Know as Instances 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 few 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 stated Thursday it stays unclear what impact the BA.2 subvariant may have on the town’s struggle in opposition to COVID, although she is “involved” by what is going on in different elements of the world.
Here’s what we know so far about BA.2.
Coronavirus in Illinois: 7K New Instances, 123 Deaths in Final Week as Decline Continues
Illinois well being officers reported 7,467 new COVID-19 circumstances over the previous week, together with 123 further deaths and over 56,000 new vaccine doses administered, marking a continued drop in circumstances and deaths.
The earlier week, the state reported 8,519 new circumstances and 149 deaths. The week earlier than that, 10,462 new circumstances and 272 deaths have been reported.
Extra on the state’s newest COVID metrics here.
Consultants Say New COVID Variants Possible, However How Extreme Will They Be?
Whereas many are intently watching omicron subvariant BA.2 and the so-called “deltacron” hybrid pressure, some specialists 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 subsequent variant might arrive as early as Might.
Public well being officers in Chicago stated they’re “definitely anticipating extra variants to emerge,” but it surely stays unclear if such variants will likely 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 Tendencies in Europe
With COVID upticks being seen throughout elements of Europe, many coinciding with an increase in BA.2 or “stealth omicron” circumstances, what does that sign for the U.S. as restrictions ease?
Chicago’s prime physician stated Thursday she is especially involved in regards to the state of Europe’s COVID circumstances.
“I will be sincere, I’m involved about what’s occurring in Europe as a result of I believe there may be not a full understanding of it,” Chicago Division of Public Well being Director Dr. Allison Arwady stated throughout a Fb Stay Thursday.
Learn extra here.
How Nervous Ought to You Be About BA.2 or ‘Stealth Omicron’? Here is What Chicago Consultants Say
With COVID outbreaks being reported in quite a few international locations around the globe, and upticks being seen throughout Europe, many coinciding with an increase in BA.2 or “stealth omicron” circumstances, how fearful must you be?
Chicago’s prime physician stated Thursday it stays unclear what impact the BA.2 subvariant may have on the town’s struggle in opposition to COVID, although she is “involved” by what is going on in different elements of the world.
CPS Masks-Non-obligatory Coverage Upheld by State Labor Board Amid Objections by Chicago Academics Union
A state labor board has rejected the Chicago Academics Union’s request to briefly block Chicago Public Faculties’ masks non-compulsory coverage whereas the union’s authorized problem performs out.
The Illinois Schooling 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 right away reinstate common face coverings at CPS. However the union’s case in opposition to the district continues and could possibly 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 issues. However there are different attainable hyperlinks.
Rising proof exhibits that the coronavirus — like another viruses — can assault insulin-producing cells within the pancreas — a course of which may set off a minimum of non permanent diabetes in inclined individuals. Rising circumstances may additionally replicate circumstances involving pandemic restrictions, together with delayed medical take care of early indicators of diabetes or unhealthy consuming habits and inactivity in individuals already in danger for Sort 2 diabetes.
Learn extra here.
COVID by the Numbers: Illinois Case Numbers Start to Flatten After Lengthy Decline
After an extended decline from the heights of the omicron variant, Illinois’ COVID case numbers have begun to flatten out, together with the state’s hospitalization charges.
Based on the newest figures from the Illinois Division of Public Well being, the state reported 1,574 circumstances of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the each day common to 1,251 new circumstances per day.
That represents a slight improve from March 8, when the state’s common hit its low-point of 1,114 new circumstances per day, based on IDPH knowledge.
Learn extra here.
Which COVID Vaccine Will Be Greatest for Kids Below 5?
With masks coming off in a number of states and lots of COVID restrictions lifting within the U.S., many are anxiously awaiting information that kids below the age of 5 could possibly be eligible for vaccination.
Already, Chicago has lifted its masking and vaccination mandates and Illinois has lifted its indoor masks and faculty masks mandates. On Monday, Chicago Public Faculties started a mask-optional coverage.
The altering pointers surrounding COVID not simply in Illinois have many mother and father questioning how greatest to guard their children.
Whereas the race is on to get the youngest members of the inhabitants vaccinated, which vaccine will work greatest?
COVID, Chilly, Allergic reactions: How Can You Inform the Distinction in Signs?
In the event you’re questioning whether or not that runny nostril, sore throat or sneeze is just 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 could possibly be behind the onset of signs.
Consultants say the one actual method to know the reply is to check, however till then, well being officers say to deal with any attainable signs as COVID.
