April 25, 2024
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Kendall County reports 169 new cases of COVID-19, one death in latest weekly report

Virus death toll among county residents now at 116

By John Etheredge
A sign in Waubonsee Community College's Bodie Hall reminds students, faculty and visitors to report their COVID-19 vaccination status.

A sign in Waubonsee Community College's Bodie Hall reminds students, faculty and visitors to report their COVID-19 vaccination status. (John Etheredge)

The Kendall County Health Department reported 169 new cases of COVID-19 among county residents in its most recent weekly report on the virus issued Nov. 4.

The 169 new cases are 19 more than the 150 new cases reported by the department in its weekly report issued Oct. 28.

In addition to the rise in new COVID-19 cases, the county’s test positivity rate for the virus increased from 3.3% on Oct. 28 to 3.4% as of Nov. 4.

The department also reported the death of another county resident from COVID-19 in its Nov. 4 report. The death brings two 166 the total number of county residents who have died from the virus since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.

In addition to the new COVID-19 cases, the department reported that 76,010 of all county residents, 59.54% of the county’s population, are now fully vaccinated against the virus.

in a related matter, the health department is accepting appointments for the free pediatric dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 who live in Kendall County To schedule an appointment, visit kendallhealth.org/community-health/covid-19-vaccine/.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available free at Jewel-Osco, 3795 Orchard Road, Oswego, and at Jewel-Osco, 234 E. Veterans Parkway in Yorkville. Please click here to schedule an appointment.

Physicians Immediate Care at 2322 Route 34, Oswego, and Walgreens stores in Yorkville, Oswego, Montgomery and Plainfield also offer the vaccine at no charge. Please click here to schedule an appointment.

Updated COVID-19 guidance for holidays announced

With the holidays coming up, the health department also released updated guidance to help county residents celebrate more safely as the pandemic continues.

“This year, we have a safe and effective vaccine to help protect against severe illness due to COVID-19 that will allow friends and families to more safely celebrate together. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your friends and family, and your community, but there are other actions you can take to celebrate more safely,” the health department said in a statement.

Travel safety considerations:

• Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated, or wait until you get a booster shot if eligible.

• If you’re not fully vaccinated, test 1 to 3 days before and 3 to 5 days after traveling.

• Travel during off-peak times to avoid crowds.

• Drive a private vehicle to reduce exposure to COVID-19.

• If using public transportation, try to travel during nonpeak times. Masks are required on/in all areas of mass transit.

Guests and gatherings:

• Keep indoor gatherings small.

• Arrange seating and other areas to allow for physical distance.

• Increase air flow by opening windows and/or doors.

• Avoid having people congregate, such as in the kitchen or at the buffet.

• Clean and sanitize the kitchen, bathrooms and other areas used by guests.

People who are sick with fever, cough or other symptoms of COVID-19, or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, should not travel or gather for holiday events during that time.

More information on COVID-19 Holiday Season Safety can be found on the IDPH website at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/holiday-season-safety.html.