State health officials announced Monday another 2,742 people in Illinois had tested positive for COVID-19, with 13 more dying of the virus.
Meanwhile, the state’s seven-day positivity rate — the metric by which health experts measure the virus’ spread — has again increased, this time to 4.3%, the highest it’s been in a month. On Oct. 3, the state’ positivity rate was 3.3%.
Monday was the ninth day this month in which the Illinois Department of Health reported at least 2,000 new positive cases, though the state’s testing capacity has increased. In the last month, the state has administered more than 1.7 million tests, with more than 47,000 tests given Sunday.
Of the 13 new deaths, according to IDPH, four occurred in Cook County. The deceased were two men and two women who ranged in age from their 50s to their 70s.
Since the outbreak began, 8,997 Illinois residents have died of the virus with more than 321,000 Illinoisans testing positive. The recovery rate for Illinois coronavirus patients is 96%. Most who contract it show mild or no symptoms.
