Macoupin County now at medium level for COVID

The Illinois Department of Public Health updates community assessments weekly based on information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It ranks the level of COVID-19 by county as "low," "medium" or "high" based on metrics. Among the numbers reviewed are the case rate per 100,000 people, new hospital admissions, and the percentage of available hospital beds being used for treatment of confirmed coronavirus infections.

Thirty-two counties in Illinois are at the highest level.

In Macoupin County, the case rate of 191.43 was just a 10.26 percent increase from the week before, but the number of people who required hospitalization was up 40 percent according to the CDC.

At medium level, officials recommend the elderly and those with health issues wear a mask indoors when in public places and make sure they are vaccinated and have received a booster shot.

Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with any booster shots is being urged regardless of community level. Anyone who is sick should stay home and, if they might have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms, should test themselves before visiting with loved ones, Illinois Department of Public Health acting Director Amaal Tokars said.