COVID-19 Weekend Update: 12/4-12/6

By Jeffrey Softcheck, MBA and Sandra Folarin

As of Saturday, December 5th, there have 102,678 tests logged in the past 24 hours. This includes 82,805 molecular tests (80.6%), 13,311 antigen tests (13.0%), and 6,562 UIUC molecular saliva tests (6.4%). There are 9,887 newly confirmed or probable cases for a daily case positivity rate of 9.63%. Positivity is in a holding pattern right now after dropping from extreme highs two weeks ago.

We also look further into long-term care facility deaths, and how those factor into the overall numbers. Of the 1,675 facilities in IL, 56% have what is classified as an “open" outbreak, which means that they have had at least one resident case in the past 4 weeks. The other 44% of facilities have not had an active case, and thus the outbreak is currently listed as “closed.” Outbreaks at facilities help to increase the case fatality rate into double digits territory. This is why it’s Important to limit these outbreaks as much as possible.

In the week ending on 12/4, the Chicago Tribune showed 480 deaths from long-term care facilities for the week, which is 50.8% of the total 945 for that time period. Since the end of August, that number has ranged between 30.6% of the weekly deaths to as high as 55.0% of the weekly deaths. Deaths at long-term care facilities and outside long term care facilities are both high, indicating that we are losing far too many people in both groups.

Additionally, deaths are up for all age groups and up 1,042 for the week (an average of 149 per day). This is up from 707 deaths last week. Overall, this is an increase of over 47% and we still have yet to see the effects of Thanksgiving travel.

With this information in mind, please remember to be vigilant, safe, and stay masked.