Surge of COVID-19 cases stresses Illinois health care
![Surge of COVID-19 cases stresses Illinois health care Surge of COVID-19 cases stresses Illinois health care](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img-Pritzker-COVID-Update-0103221-NUjZsH-1024x626.jpeg)
By GRACE KINNICUTT
Capitol News Illinois
gkinnicutt@capitolnewsillinois.com
As omicron surges across the state, Gov. JB Pritzker warned Monday that hospitalizations are about as high as they were last winter before vaccines were widely available. About 85 percent of those hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state are unvaccinated.
“It is frustrating and tragic that two years into the pandemic, with multiple widely available and free, life-saving vaccines, that we are once again in this horrible position,” Pritzker said during a news conference in Chicago.
The Illinois Public Health Department reported 6,294 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Sunday, the most since the pandemic began. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, IDPH director, said an average of 550 people are being admitted to hospitals each day.
With hospital beds for other emergencies “frighteningly limited,” Pritzker joined the Illinois Health and Hospital Association in urging health care providers to postpone non-emergency surgeries and procedures as needed to accommodate the influx of COVID-19 cases.
“This surge is testing our health resources yet again,” A.J. Wilhelmi, CEO and president of the IHA said.
Though hospitals have become accustomed to managing bed capacity and the needs of COVID-19 patients over the course of the pandemic, Wilhelmi said the best way for people to provide relief for health care workers and facilities is to get vaccinated and boosted.
More than 19 million vaccines have been administered with about 60 percent of Illinois residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Pritzker fears the rise in COVID-cases will continue to increase as the virus incubates in those who were exposed during the holidays. He urged individuals to get tested as soon as possible.
Pritzker also announced that starting this week, free community-based testing sites will expand operations to six days a week. There is a full list of site locations and times on IDPH’s website.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
![ADS-Vedette-Edward-Jones-Abney-Vedette_CD_Ad_Week_1_of_13_6_29_2023_page-0001.jpg ADS-Vedette-Edward-Jones-Abney-Vedette_CD_Ad_Week_1_of_13_6_29_2023_page-0001.jpg](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ADS-Vedette-Edward-Jones-Abney-Vedette_CD_Ad_Week_1_of_13_6_29_2023_page-0001.jpg)
Illinois News
Classifieds
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
![Logo for Vedette –Logo submitted.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Logo-for-Vedette.jpg)
Beecher Community Library News
Spread the loveCall the library at 708-946-9090 for programs that require registration. Sign-up for the summer reading program! Patrons of all ages can win prizes for reading during the summer! Outdoor Used Book Sale: A number of used books are for sale for $1, on the front veranda, including children’s, junior, teen, and adult books.…
![7.27.24 Pitbull Playtime Flyer –Graphic submitted.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/7.27.24-Pitbull-Playtime-Flyer-791x1024.png)
Bourbonnais Public Library Hosting Pitbull Playtime
Spread the loveThe Bourbonnais Public Library is partnering with local animal rescue organizations for a drop-in program on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. – noon. Enjoy a day of wagging tails, endless smiles, and puppy games with adorable pitbulls from Kankakee County Animal Control, Kankakee County Humane Foundation, and It’s A Pittie Rescue. All…
![Sen. Joyce headshot –Photo submitted.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sen.-Joyce-headshot.jpg)
Remembering What Really Matters Key to Public Service
Spread the loveWe have ended another legislative session in Springfield. As we reflect on our work to move our state forward, we must not lose sight of why we are able to have policy debates and make these important decisions. I was fortunate to offer some thoughts at a local Memorial Day ceremony, through my…
![image003 –Logo submitted.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image003.png)
Rep. Haas Invites Constituents to Use Museum Works for Chicago Pass
Spread the loveState Rep. Jackie Haas encourages constituents to contact her office to utilize the free Museum Works for Chicago Pass, which is provided by the Museums in the Park Organization. “I am happy to announce my office has received the Museum Works for Chicago Pass, and I encourage all District 79 constituents to utilize…
![PPLD logo –Logo submitted.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PPLD-logo.jpg)
Peotone Library News
Spread the loveThe library will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day! No July Friends of the Library meeting. Next meeting is August 13. Youth Services July 6: Sensory Playtime, Saturday, at 10:30 a.m., ages zero/five. July 8: Jim Gill LIVE in Concert, Monday, from 6 – 7 p.m. Registration required. July…
![Library Logo 2019 –Logo submitted.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Library-Logo-2019-1020x1024.png)
KPL July Events
Spread the loveThe Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, recently announced programs for July. More information is available by calling 815-939-4564. Kankakee Public Library July 4th Closing: The library will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day and will resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5, at 9 a.m.…
![unnamed-1 –Logo submitted.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/unnamed-1-2.jpg)
Illinois Rural Health to Hold 35th Educational Conference
Spread the loveThe Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA) will host its 35th annual Educational Conference July 31 – August 1, at the I-Hotel in Champaign. The conference is an opportunity for rural healthcare administrators and clinicians to advance their professional skills, while networking and learning best practices from their counterparts throughout the state. Online registration…
![unnamed copy Zephyr valve. –Graphic submitted.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/unnamed-copy-5-683x1024.jpg)
Riverside Expands Lung Care with Breakthrough Technologies
Spread the loveRiverside Healthcare knows receiving a lung cancer or lung disease diagnosis can be scary and even overwhelming, which is why Riverside is proud to revolutionize lung care by now offering the Zephyr valve and Ion robot for lung patients. “We are excited to be the first health system in the community to offer…
![Farmers market logo Farmers market logo](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_3195.jpeg)
Farmers Markets Updates
Spread the loveThis week at the Local Farmers Markets: Beecher – Saturday, July 13 and 27 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 540 Oak Park Avenue; Peotone – Market in the Park, Tuesday, July 9 and 23, from 4-8 p.m., Peotone Park; Crete – Mondays, from 4-8 p.m., at Main and Exchange, held in…
![Crete PLD Logo –Logo submitted.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Crete-PLD-Logo.jpeg)
Crete Library News
Spread the loveThursday-Friday, July 4-5 The library is closed, but will reopen on Saturday, July 6. Monday, July 8 CPLD Book Discussion Group, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., adults: Join us to discuss “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid,” by Bill Bryson. New members are welcome. Copies of the book are available at…
![Vedette logo Vedette logo](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/563A463C-4EFA-429A-8F3F-2AC1CF748190.png)
Monee Trustee Proposes Under 18 Festival Mandate
Spread the loveBy Karen Haave A Monee Village Trustee has asked his colleagues to consider a mandate requiring that teens under age 18 be accompanied by an adult at local festivals. Trustee Scott Youdris made the suggestion in his report during the June 12 village board meeting. “For the board to consider,” he said, “many…
![IMG_3203 The scoreboard at Legacy Park will see scores this fall, but only after controversy. –Photo by Stephanie Irvine.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_3203-768x1024.jpeg)
Community Outraged by Wildcat Organization’s Upset
Spread the loveBy Stephanie Irvine The public demanded answers after longtime Manteno Wildcats volunteer and Athletic Director Mike Barry was dismissed on June 3. Barry, a 14-year volunteer with the youth football organization, was set to start his 15th season when he was notified of his dismissal by then-President James Neally. Barry felt he was…
![IMG_3200 The Peotone American Legion Post 392 and Boy Scot Troop 315 ceremonially retired more than 200 flags at the Peotone Fire Protection District. –Photo by Tracy Nelson.](https://www.thevedette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_3200-576x1024.jpeg)
More Than 200 Flags Retired in Ceremonial Burning
Spread the loveBy Karen Haave More than 200 worn American flags were retired last week in a reverent ceremonial burning conducted by the Peotone American Legion and Scout Troop 315. According to the United States Department of Defense, a U.S. flag is retired when the fabric symbol is beyond repair. Although it is not illegal…