Fifteen months after Illinois, and therefore Champaign County, began it’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now entering the final phase of the Restore Illinois plan implemented by the State of Illinois and Illinois Department of Public Health.
At Phase 5, all capacity limits are removed throughout all economic sectors, and large events can take place. Illinois Football just announced a return to 100% capacity at Memorial Stadium when the season begins. The reason we are able to move into this phase right now is vaccines. As vaccinations have increased throughout the state, cases and postivity rates and hospitalizations have significantly decreased. Here is what that looks like in Champaign County, according to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District:
- About 50% of the eligible population (12 and up) is fully vaccinated, about 54% have had one dose
- There are 97 active cases (the lowest since June 2020)
- 7 Champaign County residents are hospitalized
- The 7-day test positivity rolling average is 2%
Also, CUPHD is reporting zero new cases today after 2315 tests.
Thank you, eligible residents who have been vaccinated and had your 12-17 year olds vaccinated. If you are not yet vaccinated, there are walk in clinics and appointments available everywhere. Please help our community continue on this path.
It’s important that way continue to be good citizens. The pandemic isn’t over. Children under 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination. Each business and organization in Champaign County will be crafting their own Phase 5 policies, so be kind and be aware of what those policies are before you go out and about. You might still be asked to wear a mask, vaccinated or not, and that is fine. You might be a vaccinated person who would still like to wear a mask, and that is fine.
But, I think we can also celebrate this new phase, and enjoy a summer of dining out and live music and travel and spending time with friends and family. We’ve come a long way.
Top photo from Fighting Illini Football Facebook page.