Illinois health officials reported 27,543 new coronavirus cases over the past week, along with 48 additional deaths, marking a slight decrease in cases from the previous seven days, as 28 counties in the State remain at a “high” community level of COVID-19.

The previous week, the state reported 28,216 new cases, 74 deaths and another 28 counties at the “high” community level.

The previous week, the state reported 27,094 new cases and 82 deaths were reported.

A total of 3,462,948 coronavirus cases have been reported in the state since the pandemic began, according to the latest data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The additional deaths bring the state to 34,198 confirmed COVID deaths.

According to IDPH, the preliminary seven-day statewide case rate is 216 COVID cases per 100,000 Illinois residents.

As of midnight Thursday, 1,309 patients were hospitalized with COVID in the state. Of those patients, 149 are in intensive care beds and 47 on ventilators.

According to the CDC, 28 counties in Illinois are now classified as “high” community level for COVID, an area that includes some of the counties around the Chicago metro area.

43 additional counties statewide are now classified at the “average community level”.

“With 71 Illinois counties classified as medium or high community level for COVID-19 by the CDC, the majority of counties remain at high risk,” said IDPH Acting Director Amaal Tokars. “We urge everyone to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date with vaccines and boosters.”

“This is especially important for people who are vulnerable to serious medical conditions. In areas with high community levels, you should wear your mask in indoor public places and avoid crowded indoor spaces. If necessary, promptly contact a mask provider. health care to discuss treatment.good for you.

Counties listed at the “high” community level are DuPage, Lake, Adams, Champaign, Coles, Fulton, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Pike, Warren, Calhoun, Crawford, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jersey, Johnson, Madison, Massac, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, White and Williamson.

Over the past seven days, the state’s daily immunization average has increased to 7,700 doses, according to IDPH data. Since last Friday, 53,901 doses have been administered statewide.

Over 22 million doses of vaccine have been administered in Illinois since vaccinations began in December 2020. Over 69% of Illinois residents are fully vaccinated against COVID, and over 76% are receiving at least one dose. About 53% are also boosted.

At the high level, the CDC recommends that everyone in the area wear a mask indoors, regardless of their vaccination status. For immunocompromised people, the CDC suggests avoiding “nonessential indoor activities” in public places.

In medium-risk counties, the CDC recommends that the elderly and immunocompromised wear a mask in indoor public places and receive COVID vaccines and boosters, if eligible.