May 23, 2022 –
Stephenson and Winnebago counties in northwest Illinois have been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as areas of high risk for the spread of COVID-19, and Jo Daviess and Ogle counties have been reported as medium risk.
“At the high community level, I would ask that people who are not feeling well avoid community gatherings and get tested prior to attending crowded or indoor events,” said FHN President and CEO Mark Gridley, MBA, FACHE. “If you are at high risk for severe complications, you should consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public places.”
Free at-home COVID-19 tests are available to every home in the U.S. - visit www.covid.gov/tests to order.
Boone and Lee counties in northwest Illinois also are listed at high community level.
“The Illinois Department of Public Health and FHN are still encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, and those who are eligible to get their first or second booster shot,” Gridley said. “If you do test positive, contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss which treatment is best for you.”
At the medium community level, the CDC recommends that persons who are elderly or immunocompromised wear a mask in indoor public places.
In its most recent report, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 40,193 new cases of COVID-19 in the past week (May 13 - 20), as well as 56 deaths due to the virus.
For more information on COVID-19, vaccinations and boosters, visit www.fhn.org/coronavirus.