COVID transmission risk rises to 'high' in Peoria and Tazewell counties, according to CDC

PEORIA – Masks are once again being recommended in some Illinois counties.

On Friday, Peoria and Tazewell counties went from "medium" to “high” transmission risk on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID tracker website.

Peoria County is currently seeing 329.28 cases and 14.3 admissions per 100,000 residents, and Tazewell County is at 318.66 cases and 14.3 admissions per 100,000 residents. Only 2.7% of the area's hospital beds are currently occupied by COVID patients. 

When community transmission risk is at the "high" level, the CDC and state health officials recommend people wear masks indoors in public places and on public transportation.

People are also urged to get up-to-date on COVID vaccinations and get tested if they have symptoms. Those with high risk for severe illness may consider taking additional precautions. 

Six other Illinois counties — Boone, Champaign, Ford, Lee, Stephenson, Winnebago — are also now at "high" levels.   

The CDC's COVID-19 community level assessment is based on a combination of data, including COVID cases, hospitalizations and occupied hospital beds in each county.  

COVID rates are rising across the nation, according to USA TODAY. About one third of Americans are now living in areas with medium or high COVID rates, and reported cases are up 26% from last week, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of CDC.

On average, about 3,000 Americans are being hospitalized per day, and 275 are dying. Areas of higher infection and hospitalization are in the Northeast and easter corridor, and parts of the upper Midwest.