The number of people in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 has dropped 9% from last Wednesday’s all-time high, according to the most recent data from the Illinois Department of Public Health

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.