More Contagious Coronavirus Variant: IL Officials On The Lookout
ILLINOIS — State health officials say they are on the lookout for a new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus recently identified in the United Kingdom. The B.1.1.7 variant of the virus could be 70 percent more transmissible thanks to a mutation in its spike proteins that allows it to more easily stick to cells in the nose, British officials said.
So far, three U.S. states — Colorado, California and Florida — have reported cases of the viral mutation. None of the cases in those states has been linked to travel outside the country, which likely means it is already spreading inside the United States.
Officials said mutations of the virus were expected and that the new strain likely isn't any deadlier or more resistant to treatment. Based on the available evidence, vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and other drugmakers are believed to be just as effective.
"Viruses are constantly changing through mutation and variant virus are expected," said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. "At this time, we have no evidence that infections by this variant cause more severe disease or death. However, early study shows the variant may spread more easily and quickly. We will continue to work with academic partners, laboratory researchers, physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor for cases."
The announcement comes as the death toll in Illinois continues to climb. As of Monday afternoon, 16,834 COVID-19 deaths had been reported across the state, including another 79 deaths on Monday. In total, 984,880 Illinoisans are known to have caught the virus, including 5,059 new cases reported Monday.
The latest deaths in Illinois include:
Cook County: 1 teen, 1 female 30s, 2 females 40s, 1 male 40s, 1 female 50s, 3 males 50s, 3 females 60s, 5 males 60s, 2 females 70s, 8 males 70s, 3 females 80s, 5 males 80s, 4 females 90s, 2 males 90s
DeKalb County: 1 male 80s
DuPage County: 1 male 30s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
Fulton County: 2 males 80s
Kane County: 1 female 40s, 1 male 50s
Kankakee County: 1 male 50s
Lake County: 2 females 70s
Macoupin County: 1 female 90s
Madison County: 1 male 30s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
McDonough County: 1 male 80s
Piatt County: 1 female 60s
Putnam County: 1 male 60s
Rock Island County: 1 male 80s
Sangamon County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
St. Clair County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 80s
Stephenson County: 1 male 80s
Tazewell County: 1 male 60s, 2 males 70s, 2 males 80s
Warren County: 1 female 90s
Wayne County: 1 male 80s
Will County: 1 female 50s, 2 females 70s
Officials cautioned that new mutations can emerge and disappear quickly. Some strains of the virus may prove deadlier or, like B.1.1.7, easier to spread. Others could be more resistant to existing vaccines.
"The same measures that have helped protect Illinoisans from COVID-19 will also help protect residents from the [new] variant," officials said. "Wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, avoiding crowds, ventilating indoor spaces, and washing hands frequently remain the best tools for preventing the spread of the virus, no matter the strain."
Vaccinations started across the state three weeks ago, but federal officials say the process has been slow going and distribution is behind schedule. According to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office, just over 1 percent of the state's total population has received the first of two shots necessary for vaccination. As of Friday, 143,924 shots had been administered across the state, including in Chicago. That amounts to fewer than 4,500 shots per day.
Officials said all residents and staff who consented to receiving the vaccine at state-run veterans' homes have received their first shots, and officials will continue outreach to those who declined to get the vaccine.
As of Sunday night, 3,948 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 across Illinois, including 816 in intensive care and 471 on ventilators.
The statewide case positivity rate — a rolling, seven-day average — rose 0.3 percentages points from Sunday to 8.3 percent. The test positivity rose 0.2 percentage points to 9.6 percent. Both have risen steadily in the past week.
According to Johns Hopkins University, a positivity rate of less than 5 percent is a good measure of whether enough tests are being conducted, and state officials have said a rate higher than 8 percent will trigger new restrictions in a given region.
See how your region is doing here.
The United States now has more than 20.6 million confirmed coronavirus infections, and at least 351,590 Americans have died from COVID -19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Based on the latest predictions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 383,000 to 424,000 Americans could be dead from the disease by Jan. 23.
Globally, more than 85.3 million people have been infected and more than 1.8 million are known to have died.
Illinois Patch Local Business Information Center
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Here's what's happening with the coronavirus in Illinois:
How COVID-19 Changed IL And What To Expect In 2021
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Haircut Led To COVID-19 Deaths Of Chicago Couple, Family Says
Carol Bruno was admitted to the hospital on Thanksgiving Day and died two weeks later. Her husband Mike died just days before Christmas.
Illinois Restaurants That Closed For Good In 2020
Restaurants in Joliet, Lisle, Lemont, Geneva, Oak Lawn, Evanston and elsewhere said goodbye in 2020.
Mandatory Coronavirus Testing Begins At New Trier High School
Students — but not staff — must participate in the district's COVID-19 saliva screening program to come to campus in Northfield or Winnetka.
Free Coronavirus Testing Site Opens In Glenview
Testing at Flick Park Field House begins Monday.
18-Year-Old Dies Of COVID-19 Day After Christmas
Sarah Simental would have graduated from high school this spring: "She said, 'I'm going to be okay, Mom.' And that was the last thing.'"
Family Of Teen Who Took Own Life Taking Pritzker, IHSA To Court
After the pandemic struck, "Trevor was never the same," his mother said.
Will County Residents Encouraged To Register For COVID-19 Vaccine
A health department survey is important to planning for future vaccine clinics, county officials said.
Myocarditis Concerns Grow For Athletes Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Dr. Jason Robin, a cardiologist with NorthShore Medical Group, is a consultant with the Illinois High School Association.
Coronavirus Vaccine Ready For Public By March, Walgreens Predicts
The Deerfield-based company has begun administering Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine to 3 million residents in long-term care facilities.
Illinois Coronavirus Helpline:
Illinois officials say a state helpline has been set up to provide emotional support and quick answers to questions about the coronavirus pandemic. Illinoisans can test "TALK" to 55-2020 (or "HABLAR" for Spanish), and within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor. Residents can also text keywords such as "UNEMPLOYMENT," "FOOD" or "SHELTER," to the same number to receive additional information about those topics.
Coronavirus by the numbers:
Illinois:
Total number of coronavirus cases: 984,880
Confirmed Deaths: 16,834
People tested: 13,530,371
Recovered: Illinois does not provide exact numbers of recovered cases, but says the recovery rate is 97 percent.
Nationwide:
Total number of coronavirus cases: 20,640,214
Deaths: 351,774
People tested: 252,904,789
Recovered: latest data unavailable
Global:
Total number of coronavirus cases: 85,327,849
Deaths: 1,845,408
People tested: No data available
Recovered: 47,941,443
Sources: Johns Hopkins University and IDPH
Tips from the CDC on dealing with coronavirus:
While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommends taking these actions to prevent the spread of viruses:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
What to do if you're sick:
Call head if you're planning to visit your doctor:
If you have a medical appointment, call the health care provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the health care provider's office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Stay home unless you must see a doctor:
Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home:
Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Limit contact with pets and animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just as you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face mask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
Avoid sharing personal household items:
Do not share: You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Masks:
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
To donate personal protective equipment (PPE), email PPE.donations@illinois.gov. For health questions about COVID-19, call the state coronavirus hotline at 800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
This article originally appeared on the Across Illinois Patch
