Brief: Illinois COVID cases hit second highest single-day total

By Jason Flynn, Managing Editor|December 22, 2021

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recorded 16,581 positive cases of COVID-19 on December 22.

Public Information Officer Cristobal Martinez confirmed the number is the second highest single-day total of cases since the start of the pandemic, behind the high-watermark of 17,608 positive cases recorded on November 5, 2020.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has labeled every county in Illinois an area of high transmission, and recommended everyone wear masks in public indoor spaces.

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The Jackson County Health Department recorded 189 positive cases between December 12 and December 18, 2021.

There have been 232 positive cases recorded in the last seven days, according to the CDC.

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike recommended being tested and vaccinated ahead of holiday festivities to reduce the spread of the virus.

“Getting tested for COVID-19 is critically important to helping reduce the spread of this deadly virus,” Ezike said.

Staff reporter Jason Flynn can be reached at [email protected], by phone at 872-222-7821 or on Twitter at @dejasonflynn. To stay up to date with all your southern Illinois news, follow the Daily Egyptian on Facebook and Twitter.