New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have been on the decline in Will County over the last couple of weeks, according to the latest public health data.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that the county’s rolling average COVID-19 test positivity rate was 4.1% as of May 11. On May 1, the county’s positivity rate was 6.3%, a sign that increased vaccinations are causing substantive improvements in local health officials’ fight against the pandemic.

The South Suburban Region, which includes Will and Kankakee counties, recorded a test positivity rate of 4% as of May 11, according to the IDPH.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the region have also been on the decline. On May 5, there was a daily average of 100 COVID-19 patients in hospitals in the South Suburban Region, but as of Thursday, that average dropped to 90 patients.

The improving conditions also come as U.S. regulators endorsed the use of the Pfizer vaccine for kids as young as 12 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased its guidance on masks for individuals who are fully vaccinated.

In Will County, 34.7% of the population of more than 690,000 residents is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Despite a slowing down of vaccinations this month compared to April, the numbers should continue to improve with the Will County Health Department and other providers opening up their clinics to residents as young as 12.

For more information and to find the nearest COVID-19 vaccine provider, visit willcountyhealth.org.