Whiteside, Lee counties report 36 COVID-19 cases across week

COVID-19 cases in the area are beginning to grow, with 36 cases across Lee and Whiteside counties last week.

The Lee County Health Department announced 20 new cases last week, compared to 13 the week prior and eight the week before that.

In Whiteside County, the health department reported 16 cases last week, seven the week before and nine the week before that.

The numbers are minimal compared to the COVID-19 surges earlier this year and last year, but it’s a fairly steady rise since last month when there would maybe be a case or two in a week.

The Ogle County Health Department hasn’t reported any Delta variant cases yet but is warning that it likely won’t be long until it happens.

“Ogle County’s positivity rate is currently 3.5% up from 2.9% in the last week,” according to a department statement. “We are urging those that are not yet vaccinated to make an appointment to receive a vaccination.”

Whiteside County has administered 46,558 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 23,669 people (42.55%) fully vaccinated. Lee County has had 31,272 doses, with 15,912 people (46.5%) fully vaccinated. Carroll County has administered 9,911 vaccine doses, with 5,242 people (36.63%) fully vaccinated. Ogle County has had 43,922 doses, with 21,958 people (43.12%) fully vaccinated.