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Health officials on Saturday identified the first case of the Lake County COVID-19 variant circulating in the UK
Meanwhile, Chicago officials have urged residents to remember the coronavirus safety protocol ahead of scheduled Super Bowl gatherings on Sunday.
Here are the latest COVID-19 headlines from across the state:
Interim agreement reached between CPS and CTU as in-person learning program ready to resume
After weeks of negotiations, the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools have reached a tentative agreement to return children and teachers to classrooms, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Sunday.
The agreement, which will need to be ratified by the CTU House of Delegates, will allow teachers and students to return to classrooms in the coming weeks, with pre-K and group students due to return this week.
“We are here to share the very good news that our children will be returning to in-person learning this week,” Lightfoot said. “The past 11 months have been a whirlwind for our whole city, pushing us to countless limits. We have lost jobs, we have lost loved ones. We have all been on an uninterrupted emotional roller coaster that we have tried individually. and collectively. navigate. “
Illinois reports 2,060 new coronavirus cases and 48 more deaths on Sunday
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported just over 2,000 new confirmed and probable cases of the coronavirus on Sunday, with 48 additional deaths attributed to the virus.
According to the latest data from the IDPH, 2,060 cases have been reported in the past 24 hours. These new cases bring the state’s total to 1,146,341 since the start of the pandemic.
The 48 additional deaths bring the state to 19,633 during the pandemic.
Lake County Reports First Case of COVID-19 Variant
The first case of the COVID-19 variant has been identified in Lake County, health officials said on Saturday.
The Lake County Health Department has reported the first case of the B.1.1.7 variant of the coronavirus, which is the strain most commonly circulating in the UK in recent months.
The person infected with the variant had traveled overseas and had contact with a sick person before leaving to return to the United States in late December, health officials said.
According to the department, the individual did not show any symptoms of the coronavirus.
“We expect to see more cases of these newer variants in Lake County as they seem to spread more easily and faster than other variants,” said Dr Sana Ahmed, medical epidemiologist for LCHD. “It is extremely important that you follow quarantine recommendations and get tested if you have traveled or been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.”
Health officials recalled that studies suggest the currently available COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the new strains.
To learn more about the new strain of coronavirus, click here.
Chicago officials urge safety during Super Bowl celebrations this weekend
As the coronavirus pandemic continues across Chicago, city officials have reminded residents to safely celebrate Super Bowl on Sunday.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady on Friday advised people to follow safety precautions, especially when the city records the lowest COVID-19 positivity rates since October .
“We’ve made so much progress in the last few weeks – now is not the time to let our guard down,” said Lightfoot. “I’ll be watching the game with my wife and daughter at home, and I call on all Chicagoans to do the same and avoid gatherings. Don’t make the Super Bowl a super-spreader event! “
City officials recalled that traditional Super Bowl gatherings have the potential to be super-spreading events for the coronavirus, which is why they are urging residents to order takeout from a local bar or restaurant. , as well as to avoid mixed parties.
According to Lightfoot and Arwady, the best way to avoid indoor gatherings with people outside the home. However, if guests are indoors, health officials said people should maintain a six-foot distance and wear headwear.
“While Super Bowl parties of any kind are strongly discouraged, Chicagoans are reminded that, in order of health, residential gatherings indoors should be limited to no more than ten people,” a statement said.
Since the city is in phase 4 of Coroanavirus mitigation, the following regulations apply if you go to bars or restaurants:
- Six people per table
- Six feet distance between tables
- Interior capacity limited to the lesser of 25% or 25 people
Business and consumer protection workers will visit entertainment establishments across the city of Chicago ahead of the big event on Sunday, according to a statement.
Kroger to pay workers $ 100 to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Kroger is offering a $ 100 bonus to employees who receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to encourage associates to get vaccinated, the Cincinnati grocer said Friday.
Payment for the vaccine will be offered to all associates who present proof of vaccination to their human resources representative, according to a company statement.
Employees who cannot receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons will have the option of taking a health and safety education course to receive payment.
The company also announced an additional investment of $ 50 million to thank and reward employees, including $ 100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for frontline hourly associates of the grocery store, chain of supply, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center.
Chicago-area grocer Mariano’s is a subsidiary of Kroger.
For a complete overview of how to book an appointment or information about vaccines in your area, click here.
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