Health Department: Henry County COVID-risk level moved up amid virus surge
The Henry County Health Department is alerting residents that as of Friday, Nov. 12, the County-Level COVID-19 Risk Metrics have been moved to orange. Orange status indicates there are warning signs of increased COVID-19 risk in the county.
The health department released the following statement Friday afternoon:
"These metrics are intended to be used for local level awareness for each county’s progress during Phase 5 and will help local leaders, businesses, local health departments, and the public make informed decisions and promote healthy behaviors. Individuals, families, and community groups can use these metrics to help inform their choices about personal and family gatherings, as well as what activities they choose to do.
Henry County COVID-19 cases are on the rise. As of November 12th, we had a total of 6,898 confirmed positive and probable Covid-19 cases.
In addition, per the county-level risk metrics provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health: * Henry County new cases are above the 50 mark or more new cases per 100,000 people; as of today we stand at 189 new cases per 100,000; * and Henry County’s weekly ICU Bed Availability percentage is 18.6% below the State’s 20% needed metric trigger mark.
Duane Stevens, Henry County Public Health Administrator states, “It is important our area understand how easily COVID-19 is actively spreading. Henry County is experiencing community spread of the virus, meaning that some people testing positive for COVID-19 are not able to pinpoint when or where they may have become infected. This is happening all over the county, not one particular area or town.”
Another concerning trend, the high percentage of cases being identified in those that remain unvaccinated and many 29 years and younger. The Health Department wants to remind those who have not got vaccinated and young people, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and it continues to be a serious public health threat. People can easily become infected with COVID-19, not experience symptoms and then pass the virus to others more at risk. Those who are unvaccinated especially and choose not to wear a mask or disregard the importance of social distancing are putting their parents, grandparents, co-workers, and community at risk.
In addition, currently Henry County is at “High” Transmission Risk according to the CDC’s Covid Data Tracker - Your Community – County View. CDC COVID Data Tracker
According to the latest guidance from the CDC, in areas of substantial or high transmission, the CDC recommends that everyone should wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and variants like Delta and protect others.
Please note, to slow the spread of the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant, all Illinois residents over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask in all indoor settings, effective Monday, August 30th. The requirement is applicable to both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents statewide.
The Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management are encouraging everyone to do their part and continue to recognize the role they play in helping Henry County slow the spread of COVID-19. We remind local residents, employers, and businesses to note the rising Covid-19 cases numbers and please follow the current Covid-19 mitigation measures (especially the unvaccinated) of getting a Covid-19 vaccination if you are 12 years of age and older; wear a face mask when in public, observe social distances of 6ft, avoid congregate settings, wash and sanitize your hands frequenting."
This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Health Dept.: Henry County COVID-risk level moved up amid virus surge
