COVID-19 Weekend Update: 1/8-1/10

By Sandra Folarin and Jeffrey Softcheck, MBA

As of Sunday, January 10th there have been 102,903 tests resulted yesterday, including 83,108 molecular tests (81%), 16,871 antigen tests (16%), and 2,924 UIUC molecular saliva tests (3%). There were 6,717 newly confirmed or probable cases for a daily case positivity rate of 6.53%. Testing volumes have back been within the normal range for the past 5 days. With the return to normal testing, which decreased during the holidays, the positivity rate has decreased slightly. Now that the holidays are over, these normal testing levels will allow us to track our progress as a state more consistently.

Looking more closely, the weekly case positivity rate in Illinois stands at 8.27%, which is roughly double where we want it to be to be considered in good control.

Deaths are up to 820 for the week (117 per day on average). This number is still way too high, and similar to Thanksgiving, we are seeing deaths in the lower age groups after the holidays. Only 49% of deaths are from the over 80 age cohort.

Currently, 9% of the Illinois population has been confirmed to have had the virus, and that number is likely significantly higher than what is documented. As vaccinations continue, we are hopeful that the death toll will decrease as well. For this reason, we are cautiously optimistic that we are potentially through the absolute worst of this virus here in Illinois.

Lastly, bed capacity is also showing some improvement. However, we’ve seen that this can change quickly, so please continue to do your part and help save lives. Stay safe. Stay vigilant. Stay masked.