The arrival of the highly contagious omicron coronavirus variant hasn’t encouraged many more Illinoisans to get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to state data. Statewide, the number of people fully vaccinated increased by 6.8% since Nov. 24.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois informs customers on its website that if over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are purchased using a pharmacy within their network, they should not have to submit a separate claim.

New hospital admissions for covid-like illness declined for the fourth straight day, and the seven-day rolling average for new COVID-19 cases dropped below 30,000 new cases per day for the first time in five days. More than 3.5 million Illinois residents have been boosted.