Trust the Torch!

COVID-19 vaccination

COVID surge prompts multiple state responses; General Assembly calls off in-person sessions next week

By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRINGFIELD – A continuing sharp spike in COVID-19 cases being driven by the omicron variant has pushed the state’s hospital capacity to its limits and is […]

Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent

Start a free trial, then pay only $6 per month after

Surge of COVID-19 cases stresses Illinois health care; hospitalizations hit pandemic peak

By GRACE KINNICUTTCapitol News Illinoisgkinnicutt@capitolnewsillinois.comAs omicron surges across the state, Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned Monday that hospitalizations are about as high as they were last winter before vaccines were widely available. About 85 percent of those hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state are unvaccinated.“It is frustrating and tragic that two years into the pandemic, with multiple widely available and free, life-saving vaccines, that we are once again in this horrible position,” Pritzker said during a news conference in Chicago.The Illinois Public Health Department reported 6,294 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Sunday, the most since the pandemic began. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, IDPH director, said an average of 550 people are being admitted to hospitals each day.With hospital beds for other emergencies “frighteningly limited,” Pritzker joined the Illinois Health and Hospital Association in urging health care providers to postpone non-emergency surgeries and procedures as needed to accommodate the influx of COVID-19 cases.“This surge is testing our health resources yet again,” said A.J. Wilhelmi, CEO and president of the IHA.Though hospitals have become accustomed to managing bed capacity and the needs of COVID-19 patients over the course of the pandemic, Wilhelmi said the best way for people to provide relief for health care workers and facilities is to get vaccinated and boosted.More than 19 million vaccines have been administered with about 60 percent of Illinois residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19.Pritzker fears the rise in COVID-cases will continue to increase as the virus incubates in those who were exposed during the holidays. He urged individuals to get tested as soon as possible.Pritzker also announced that starting this week, free community-based testing sites will expand operations to six days a week. There is a full list of site locations and times on IDPH’s website.Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and […]

Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent

Start a free trial, then pay only $6 per month after

Know COVID-19 status before gathering during the holidays, health officials urge

Staff Reportnews@thewoodstockindependent.comMcHenry County residents are urged to get tested for COVID-19 if they plan to gather for the holidays.In a news release, the McHenry County Department of Health said everyone, regardless of […]

Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent

Start a free trial, then pay only $6 per month after

McHenry County health officials encourage eligible residents to get COVID-19 booster shot

Staff Reportnews@thewoodstockindependent.comLocal health officials urge all eligible McHenry County residents who received their COVID-19 vaccine to now get a booster dose to help strengthen protection against severe disease or complications […]

Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent

Start a free trial, then pay only $6 per month after

Pritzker urges child vaccination as changes to Health Care Right of Conscience Act emerge

By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinois
jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRINGFIELD – An amendment to the Health Care Right of Conscience Act that allows an employer to fire a worker for noncompliance with COVID-19 vaccine or […]

Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent

Start a free trial, then pay only $6 per month after

Top Writers

Picture of Larry Lough

Larry Lough

Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.

Picture of Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.

Picture of Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.

Picture of Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.

Keep Exploring

The Marian Central Hurricanes wrestling team hosted 3 teams for a quad meet Tuesday evening. Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality…
A Qwazy Qwistmas Quotes QuizWhen you gather with friends and family this holiday season, you might find it tough to come up with topics of discussion …

Subscriber Access

Login