(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — More than half the adults in Illinois are fully vaccinated, and yet there are still daily reminders from the state department of public health that hundreds are getting sick, and some are dying.
The latest numbers, from Friday: 626 new cases, including 15 deaths.
Both numbers, of course, are lagging indicators of infection.
Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, the medical director of infection control at Edward Hospital, said it comes down to vaccination.
The Illinois Department of Public Health says more than two-thirds of adults have received at least one vaccine dose.
“As we brace ourselves for reopening, this is a wonderful thing,” Pinsky said. “Because if you’ve been vaccinated, you’re now protected. The cases are down. We can do a lot more things we couldn’t do before.”
He adds: “But if you haven’t been vaccinated, reopening is really not for you. Reopening is for everyone who’s been vaccinated. If you haven’t been vaccinated, you still need to wear a mask, protect yourself and get vaccinated.”
The state health department says 901 people are hospitalized with COVID-19. Of those, 247 are in ICU and 140 are on ventilators.
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