Coronavirus

Despite the level of COVID-19 spread in McHenry County being classified as “high” for the first time this week, McHenry County saw its rolling averages for cases decline and hospitalization availability increase, county and state data shows.

At a high community level for COVID-19, the CDC strongly recommends to wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status.

Illinois' COVID-19 case rate has declined to 40.2 new cases per 100,000 people, the lowest rate since May 8

The White House has announced more steps to make the antiviral treatment Paxlovid more accessible across the U.S. as it projects COVID-19 infections will continue to spread over the summer travel season

As of late Tuesday, Illinois had 1,138 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Of those, 120 were in intensive care units, and 35 were on ventilators.

The county's case rate is decreasing after over two months of increases.

The COVID-19 case rate in Illinois is at its lowest point in almost three weeks, while hospitalizations, a lagging COVID-19 indicator, are at their highest point since Feb. 23.

Parents hoping to get their youngest children vaccinated against COVID-19 have some encouraging news

Residents are recommended to wear a mask while in public indoor settings, avoid crowded indoor settings and stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

The state’s seven-day rolling average for new COVID-19 cases per day went down to 5,396, the lowest average in almost two weeks. Hospitalizations, a lagging COVID-19 indicator, are at their highest level since late February.

Pfizer says three small doses of its COVID-19 vaccine protect kids under 5 and that it plans to give the data to U.S. regulators later this week

A fourth COVID-19 related death in La Salle County was reported for the month of May.

Parents seeking a COVID-19 vaccine for their children as young as five can now go to the DeKalb County Health Department without an appointment needed. DeKalb County reported three new virus-related deaths this week and 55.8 cases per 100,000 residents.

The number of new COVID-19 cases in McHenry County increased by 29% since last week as the rate of new hospitalizations also rose, county and state health department data shows.

To order free masks and test kits or to find treatment, vaccine, and booster shot locations, visit covid.gov.