Illinois’ COVID-19 positivity rate holds steady at two-month high, hospitalizations jump to highest level in over a month

Public health officials on Monday that Illinois’ COVID-19 positivity rate held steady at a two-month high as the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations climbed to the highest level in over a month.

Illinois’ rolling seven-day test positivity rate has stood at 3.8% for three straight days, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The 2,102 new cases reported Monday were diagnosed from 59,586 tests. Eleven more people died from the virus, bringing the state’s total death toll to 21,384.

The state’s positivity rate — a key metric for tracking the virus’ spread — has risen from a low of 2.1% recorded March 13, marking a troubling jump in coronavirus cases that could lead officials to tighten restrictions on businesses again.

Over the past week, Chicago’s positivity rate has increased from 3.9% to 5.1%, jumping above a critical benchmark. The World Health Organization has advised governments that test positivity rates should remain at or below 5% for 14 days before reopening.

Hospitalizations also continued to rise, with officials reporting that 1,581 beds were occupied by Sunday night. That’s the highest number recorded since Feb. 18.

State officials also reported that just 27,248 vaccine doses were administered on Easter, the lowest total reported since 13,433 shots Feb. 21. However, officials noted that “reporting by some providers may be delayed for Sunday.”

Still, the state is reporting a seven-day rolling average of 105,779 daily doses, and over 6.3 million total shots have gone into arms.

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