Peoria area now at 'high' level for COVID hospitalization rates. Here's what to know
PEORIA – Confirmed COVID-19 cases rose in Peoria and Tazewell counties hospitals during the last week of 2023, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to give the community a high rating for COVID-19 transmission on its online tracker.
Eighty-seven newly admitted hospital patients tested positive for COVID-19, an increase of 29.9% from the previous week. The two counties currently have a rate of 23.5 cases per 100,000 residents — more than 20 per 100,000 is considered high by the CDC.
The Peoria area is in a hotspot in the state. Fulton, Warren and Knox counties are also rated high on the CDC’s online tracker.
Illinois’ overall respiratory illness level also increased from moderate to high in the past week, and more than half the counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Across the nation, the number of COVID-positive hospital patients rose 20.4 percent, and COVID-19 deaths rose 12.5% last week.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: COVID cases and hospitalizations rise in Peoria area
