The Illinois Department of Public Health says Champaign and Ford counties are among 32 Illinois counties now rated at High Community Level for COVID-19. The Department on Friday reported 34,001 new confirmed and probable cases of the disease in Illinois, including 73 deaths since June 3, 2022.
Vermilion County is at the Medium Community Level according to the latest information from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
At the Medium Level, persons who are elderly or at risk of severe outcomes are advised to wear a mask in indoor public places. In addition, they should make sure they are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots.
In High Community Level Counties – which now include Champaign and Ford – the CDC recommends:
- Wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of your vaccination status (including in K-12 schools and other indoor community settings).
- If you are immuno-compromised or high risk for severe disease, wear a mask or respirator that provides you greater protection.
- Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to take other precautions.
- Have a plan for rapid testing if needed.
‘’In the days since Memorial Day weekend we have seen a ten-percent increase in COVID-19 across Illinois. Reversing the downward trend of the previous two weeks,’’ said Illinois Department of Public Health Acting Director Amaal Tokars. ‘’This uptick is a cause for concern – and serves as a reminder to all of us, especially as we are approaching the upcoming Father’s Day and Juneteenth weekend, that we can all do our part to fight the virus and protect our friends and family,’’ added Tokars.
Anyone who is sick should stay home, said Tokars. And anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to the virus or is experiencing symptoms, should test themselves before visiting with loved ones.
