BREAKING: Covid Cases In Rock Island County Spiking, Causing Illinois To Put It In “Warning” Status
BREAKING NEWS: In the wake of huge celebrations on and around St. Patrick’s Day, covid numbers in Rock Island County are spiking again, causing the Illinois Department of Public Health to put a warning status on Rock Island County.
The Scott County and Rock Island County health departments are partnering with many organizations to offer Covid vaccines.
The Rock Island County Health Department reported 41 new cases today, making today the highest single day amount since early February. Prior to today, the new case reports were over 20 a day, which represented an increase over the previous week, although not as drastic a spike.
“We are very worried about the rapidly rising cases this week,” said Nita Ludwig, administrator of the Rock Island County Health Department. “Getting the vaccine is a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19, and we urge you to get it as soon as it is available to you. However, at the same time, we all must control the spread of virus by continuing to wear masks, avoiding large crowds, keeping 6 feet between you and others in public, getting tested, and staying home when you are sick. After more than a year of dealing with the pandemic, we can’t slide backward when the end is within reach.”
There are 15 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 in the county. The average age of people testing positive in Friday’s report is younger than it has been in the past, dropping to age 30.
“This young age signals that unvaccinated people are gathering and not taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus,” Ludwig said. “At least four more-contagious variants are circulating in Illinois. We must control the spread of these variants while public health works to vaccinate everyone who is eligible.”
