January 31, 2023 – Though COVID-19 community levels continue to decline, Illinois Department of Public Health is closing watching a new variant known as “Kraken.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health said the CDC is reporting 20 counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19, compared to 28 in the previous week. No Illinois counties are at High Community Level this week compared to three last week, while 20 Illinois counties are at a Medium Community Level, compared to 25 the previous week. Macon County is currently considered at Low Community Level.
The updated data comes days after Illinois marked three years since the first reported case of COVID-19 on January 24, 2020. Since that first case, IDPH has recorded a total of 4,019,768 cases and 36,091 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois.
“It is good news that COVID-19 community levels are continuing to decline in Illinois, with no counties listed at high level,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We are seeing a gradual increase in the rate of the XBB.1.5 ‘Kraken’ variant in the Midwest and Illinois compared to last week. At this moment, it is not leading to an increase in hospitalizations. Concerns remain about this variant, but new data released by the CDC shows that the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster is protective against it – reducing the risk of symptoms by nearly half. We ask Illinoisians to remain vigilant and use readily available tools like vaccines and antiviral treatments to avoid hospitalizations and protect the most vulnerable.”
Access to tests and treatments can be found at the following test to treat site or by contacting your provider for treatment options, within 5 days of feeling ill.
