Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike speaks Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020 during the state’s daily COVID-19 press briefing. (WTTW News)
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here: Thursday evening marks the start of Hanukkah, and Christmas and Kwanza are just over two weeks away.
But with the coronavirus pandemic raging, state health officials are urging residents to forgo traditional celebrations this year.
“The safest way to enjoy the upcoming holidays would still be to be virtual. We can gather and celebrate with people in our household who we normally live with,” Illinois Department of Public Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Wednesday. “I urge people to postpone the normal ways that you’re used to celebrating. We are advising people to postpone travel during the holidays – it’s not the message I want to deliver but it is what’s responsible and will keep everyone safest.”
With a possible coronavirus vaccine on the horizon, Ezike says “we’ve come too far to turn back now.”
While demand for COVID-19 testing declined following the Thanksgiving holiday, Ezike said she expects that to change. “I anticipate an increase in people who want to get tested as they prepare for the holidays, but remember: unless you quarantine completely after being tested you could get infected at any time between that test and your intended visit,” she said. “A negative test does not give you an ‘all-clear’ forever and ever to gather with friends and family.”
Though she doesn’t encourage gatherings, Ezike provided guidance for those who plan to do so to make them as safe as possible. Limit the number of people and duration of the event, she said, which should be hosted outside if possible. Masks must be worn and social distance must be maintained, she added.
“I strongly encourage people to celebrate virtually,” she said. “Share gifts by leaving them at the door.”
Full coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic from WTTW News.
On Wednesday, state health officials reported 8,256 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases and 179 additional deaths. Across Illinois, there have been 812,430 cases and 13,666 deaths since the pandemic took hold in January.
Labs processed 92,737 tests since Tuesday, according to IDPH. As of Tuesday night, 5,284 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, and of those, 1,176 patients were in intensive care units and 647 were on ventilators, according to officials.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity rate for cases is 9.6% – down from 10.6% a week ago, according to state health officials.
Test positivity across the state – the number of positive tests as a percentage of total tests – is 11.4%. That rate is slightly higher in both Chicago (12.7%) and suburban Cook County (12.8%), according to IDPH regional data.
Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz | (773) 509-5452 | [email protected]
