The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 35 additional deaths from COVID-19 related causes around the state on Sunday. Two of those were in South Central Illinois. A female in her 80s died in Jefferson County and a male in his 70s in Wayne County.
There were 1,585 new cases of COVID-19 reported on Sunday. The statewide seven-day positivity rate dropped to 2.7-percent. 13,433 doses of vaccine were administered on Saturday, well under the seven-day rolling average of 52,658 doses. A total of 2,151,952 doses have now been administered.
Illinois’ top doctor says everyone in the state deserves a chance to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but it’ll take months for supply to meet demand. Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike’s comments in a weekend Chicago Tribune opinion piece amid complaints of shortages and difficulties in obtaining appointments.
The recent blast of winter weather also delayed shipments and canceled appointments. So far, health care workers, residents ages 65 and older and essential workers are eligible.
Illinois officials hope to expand this month to people with underlying health conditions, but Chicago and other areas are delaying, citing a shortage.
