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

PEORIA – Masks are now being recommended in six central Illinois counties at high risk of COVID-19 transmission.

On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a total of 15 Illinois counties were rated at high community level for COVID-19. The central Illinois counties were listed as Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton, Henderson, Knox and Mason. Also listed at high community level were Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Will, Grundy, Boone, Lee and Winnebago counties in northern Illinois.

A week ago, the CDC listed eight counties in Illinois at a high risk of COVID transmission. While transmission risk is increasing, hospitalization and death rates remain low.

People are 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.

“We should all strongly consider masking up if we are entering indoor public places and avoiding indoor crowded spaces whenever possible at this time – especially if you are at risk of a severe outcome," Amaal Tokars, acting director of the state Department of Public Health, said. "If you test positive, promptly contact a health care provider to discuss which treatment is right for you. The treatments are much more effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths when they are taken early in the course of the illness.”