While nowhere near the November peak, new COVID-19 cases in 5-to-11 year olds are up 787% from the state's low a month ago

New evidence suggests the delta variant could be as contagious as the chickenpox, and even fully vaccinated people may be able to easily spread it. But the CDC emphasizes that COVID-19 vaccines are still highly effective at preventing infections, severe disease and death, and that breakthrough infections are uncommon.

Update: As COVID-19 community transmission again grows in DeKalb County, local health officials on Thursday issued new guidance strongly recommending a return to universal indoor masking in the county, regardless of vaccination status. Mayors throughout DeKalb County spoke to the Daily Chronicle in response:

Visitors over the age of 2 are required to wear face coverings while inside state offices and facilities

Health officials reported 13 more cases of COVID-19 Thursday, and 128 more residents were added to DeKalb County’s fully vaccinated total.

For Wednesday, Illinois administered 47,592 COVID-19 vaccines, the most in a single day since June 26

This interactive map shows how vaccinated the state of Illinois is by ZIP code.

Unvaccinated people, regardless of the variant, risk becoming very sick, Dr. Kalisha Hill said. For those hoping for protection through herd immunity, Hill said that’s unfair to the immunocompromised.

Health officials reported 10 more cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, and 77 more residents were added to DeKalb County’s fully vaccinated total.