CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The City of Chicago hit a startling benchmark in the coronavirus pandemic.
The City of Chicago reported an average of 419 new, daily COVID-19 cases. It’s a number the city hasn’t seen since early May and a tenfold increase from June's low numbers.
Additionally, Chicago’s seven-day average positivity rate is now 4.3 percent. Also the highest since early May.
The new surge is largely driven by the delta variant, which is mostly impacting those who aren’t vaccinated.
Last August, Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said hitting 400 new cases a day would “draw a line in the sand” for citywide decisions, including opening Chicago Public Schools to in-person learning.
CPS is scheduled to start the school year on Aug. 30.
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Dr. Arwady’s Office noted, though, one significant change since last year is vaccine availability. More than half of 12- to 17-year olds in the district are fully vaccinated. Additionally, CPS will require all staff members to be vaccinated by Oct. 15; and all students and staff will have to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.
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In Chicago, 54 percent of residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while nearly 60 percent have received at least one dose.