COVID-19 positivity rate in southwestern Illinois drops for sixth consecutive day
The positivity rate for COVID-19 testing in the Metro-East Region 4 dropped for the sixth consecutive day, officials said Wednesday.
Wednesday marked the end of a 14-day observation period set by the Illinois Department of Public Health to determine if further restrictions were needed. The state of Illinois announced no new restrictions would be imposed in the region due to decreasing infection rates.
The state reported the region’s rolling seven-day average positivity rate fell to 8.9% on Wednesday, down from 9.2% on Tuesday. The positivity rate is the percentage of coronavirus tests that are positive. The rate the state calculates is based on a week’s worth of tests.
“That’s good news Team St. Clair,” St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said during the county’s daily briefing Thursday.
The state defines the metro-east, or Region 4, as St. Clair, Madison, Clinton, Randolph, Monroe, Bond and Washington counties.
Since the region has remained above 8%, additional restrictions have been in place, including a ban on indoor service at bars and restaurants. The restrictions went into effect Sept. 2.
Illinois provides the rate for each region at dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics. Information on the website is delayed by three days, so Sunday, Sept. 13, was the latest data available Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the state’s seven-day positivity rate from Sept. 9-15 was 3.7%.
Overall on Wednesday, 154 new cases of COVID-19 and five additional deaths were reported in the region.
Madison County reported 63 new cases, up from 52 on Tuesday. St. Clair County reported 56 new cases, up from 46 on Tuesday.
Elsewhere in Region 4 on Wednesday, Clinton County reported 11 new cases, Washington County reported nine new cases, Randolph County reported seven new cases, Bond County reported five new cases and Monroe County reported three new cases.
St. Clair County reported one additional death Wednesday, bringing the county’s total to 182: A man in his 80s with no known health conditions.
Madison County reported three additional deaths Wednesday, bringing the county’s total to 121: A man in his 50s, a woman in her 50s, and a woman in her 90s. It is unknown if any of them had underlying health conditions.
Clinton County also reported one additional death Wednesday, bringing the county’s total to 20. No additional information was available.
Regionally, 31% of the metro-east’s hospital beds and 42% of the region’s ICU beds were available as of Wednesday afternoon, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Outside of Region 4, nearby Macoupin County reported six new cases Wednesday. The county also reported its eighth death Tuesday. No additional information was available on the individual who passed away. Jersey County also reported two new cases Wednesday, while Perry County announced two new cases as well.
St. Clair County’s latest rundown
St. Clair County has now had a total of 6,806 COVID-19 diagnoses and 182 deaths since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The county’s daily positivity rate rose from 5.5% on Tuesday to 9.2% on Wednesday. The daily positivity rate is the percentage of positives from a day’s worth of coronavirus tests.
The county’s seven-day positivity rate rose slightly from 6.9% on Tuesday to 7% on Wednesday.
County officials reported 36 coronavirus-related hospitalizations Wednesday, down from 42 on Tuesday. Four of those patients were on ventilators as of Wednesday, up from two on Tuesday.
Regionally, county health officials reported 80 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 as of Wednesday, with eight of those patients on ventilators.
Ages of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in St. Clair County Tuesday ranged from under 1 to in their 90s. Half of the 56 new cases were from people in their 40s or younger.
In addition, 21 new COVID-19 cases were reported at congregate living centers in St. Clair County on Wednesday. Fifteen new cases were reported at Integrity Healthcare of Smithton, three new cases were reported at Caritas Family Solutions in Belleville, one new case was reported at Aperion Care Mascoutah, one new case was reported at Bradford Place in Swansea, and one new case was reported at Swansea Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.
There were no double-digit increases in any of St. Clair County’s ZIP codes Wednesday.
Recap from St. Clair County’s daily briefing
While pleased with the direction of the overall numbers, St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency Director Herb Simmons cautioned people to avoid becoming complacent, as officials expect to see a spike at the end of the week due to the Labor Day holiday. He also noted many new cases are coming from social gatherings where COVID-19 protocols are not being followed.
He again stressed people should wash their hands, wear a mask and practice social distancing.
“If you’re too lazy to put a mask on, shame on you,” he said. “You’ve got rights not to wear a mask. But the people who you go around have a right to be safe also. For those of you wearing your mask, we thank you. You’re doing your part to be a part of the solution. For those of you who aren’t, you’re part of the problem.”
He also expressed frustration over individuals who dismiss COVID-19 related deaths that involve people in nursing homes.
“For those of you who think that people who are in the nursing homes, ‘oh they were going to die any way’ ... that’s the biggest BS I’ve ever heard,” Simmons said. “If you’ve got somebody who’s in a nursing home, I hope you don’t believe they’re in there just to die. I know people who’ve been in there just for rehabilitation — doesn’t mean they get COVID and have to die.”
Kern also reminded everyone Thursday is when the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity website goes live for the Business Interruption Grant.
“It’s a large grant. There are dollars set aside specifically for downstate Illinois. It’s first come first serve,” he said. “There’s a lot of money there, but it will go fast. So we encourage everybody to get in and apply for those dollars. They go to small businesses. They really are targeted for those businesses.
“The playing field is pretty level, and if you need help and need one of those business interruption grants, tomorrow is the day they go live ... go in there and apply.”
Madison County by the numbers
Madison County has reported a total of 5,080 cases and 121 deaths as of Tuesday.
The county’s daily positivity rate dropped from 13.83% on Tuesday to 11.33% on Wednesday. The county’s seven-day positivity rate was 12.55% on Wednesday, down from 13.18% on Tuesday.
As of Wednesday, 17 COVID-19 patients were in Madison County hospitals, down from 19 on Tuesday. Four of those patients were on ventilators, the same as Tuesday.
Individuals diagnosed with the virus Wednesday ranged in age from younger than 9 to their 90s, and of the 63 new cases, 39 were people in their 40s or younger.
Madison County had one ZIP code report double-digit increase Wednesday — 62002 (Alton, East Alton, Godfrey) reported 12 new cases for a total of 788.
The county also added two new zip codes — 62088 (Staunton, Livingston, Williamson, six cases); and 62201 (East St. Louis, Sauget, Fairmont City, Madison, National City, six cases).
Illinois reports new cases, deaths
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,941 new cases of the virus and 35 additional virus-related deaths Wednesday.
A total of 266,151 Illinois residents have now tested positive for COVID-19, and 8,367 people have died. More than 4.8 million tests have been conducted for COVID-19; 52,311 people were tested in the past 24 hours.
As of Tuesday evening, 1,565 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19. Of those individuals, 345 patients were in the ICU — and 143 people were on ventilators. Tuesday was the latest day numbers on statewide hospitalizations were available.
Southwestern Illinois COVID-19 statistics
ZIP code-level numbers below are provided by the state each afternoon at dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics. Madison and Macoupin counties compile their own statistics by ZIP code later in the day, so the numbers may differ from what appears on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website. The Belleville News-Democrat reports the information county health departments provide.
ZIP codes with fewer than five cases of the virus are not reported by health officials. The number in parentheses after each ZIP code below reflects the change from the previous day’s cumulative total. A decrease reflects a correction.
All other information comes from local health departments. The “recoveries” figure refers to the number of people who completed the required isolation period in most counties.
Here are the latest available statistics for southwestern Illinois counties:
ST. CLAIR COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: 56 new positives, one new death, 610 new tests administered, 21 new recoveries, six fewer hospitalizations, two additional people on ventilators
Total overall: 6,806 positives, 182 deaths, 76,736 tests administered, 6,078 recoveries, 36 hospitalizations with four patients on ventilators
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62059 (Brooklyn): 11
- 62201 (East St. Louis): 232
- 62203 (East St. Louis, Centreville, Washington Park, Caseyville): 197 (+1)
- 62204 (East St. Louis): 136
- 62205 (East St. Louis, Alorton, Centreville): 195 (+4)
- 62206 (East St. Louis, Cahokia): 426 (-1)
- 62207 (East St. Louis, Centreville, Alorton): 242 (+3)
- 62208 (Fairview Heights): 413 (+3)
- 62220 (Belleville, Smithton): 536 (+2)
- 62221 (Belleville): 638 (+6)
- 62223 (Belleville, Swansea): 389 (+3)
- 62225 (Scott Air Force Base): 31 (+1)
- 62226 (Belleville, Swansea): 702 (+8)
- 62232 (Fairview Heights, Caseyville): 188 (+2)
- 62239 (Dupo): 98 (+1)
- 62240 (Dupo): 31
- 62243 (Freeburg): 103 (+5)
- 62254 (Lebanon): 245 (+6)
- 62255 (Lenzburg): 16
- 62257 (Marissa): 35
- 62258 (Mascoutah, Fayetteville): 182 (+2)
- 62260 (Millstadt): 133 (+2)
- 62264 (New Athens): 92
- 62269 (O’Fallon): 529 (+4)
- 62282 (St. Libory): 12
- 62285 (Smithton): 83 (+2)
- 62289 (Summerfield): 6
MADISON COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: 63 new positives, three new deaths, 556 new tests administered, 55 new recoveries, two fewer hospitalizations
Total overall: 5,080 positives, 121 deaths, 67,464 tests administered, 2,618 recoveries, 17 hospitalizations with four patients on ventilators
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62001 (Kaufman, Alhambra): 22
- 62002 (Alton, East Alton, Godfrey): 788 (+11)
- 62010 (Bethalto): 233 (+3)
- 62012 (Godfrey): 15
- 62018 (Alton, Bethalto, East Alton): 56 (+2)
- 62021 (Dorsey): 13
- 62024 (East Alton): 129 (+1)
- 62025 (Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Pontoon Beach, Roxana): 635 (+4)
- 62034 (Glen Carbon): 260 (+3)
- 62035 (Godfrey): 395 (+7)
- 62040 (Granite City, Pontoon Beach): 735 (+5)
- 62046 (Hamel): 12 (+2)
- 62048 (Edwardsville, Granite City, Roxana, Hartford): 15 (+3)
- 62060 (Granite City, Madison, Venice): 118 (+1)
- 62061 (Marine): 31 (+1)
- 62062 (Maryville): 100 (+1)
- 62067 (Moro): 54 (+1)
62074 (New Douglas): 7
- 62084 (Edwardsville, Wood River, Pontoon Beach, Roxana, South Roxana): 20
- 62087 (Edwardsville, Roxana, South Roxana, Hartford): 27
- 62088 (Staunton, Livingston, Williamson): 6
- 62090 (Madison, Venice): 31
- 62095 (Wood River): 162 (+5)
- 62097 (Prairietown, Worden): 47 (+3)
- 62201: (East St. Louis, Sauget, Fairmont City, Madison, National City): 6
- 62234 (Collinsville, Pontoon Beach, State Park Place): 531 (+4)
- 62249 (Highland): 306 (+5)
62275 (Pocahontas, Old Ripley, Jamestown): 18
62281 (St. Jacob): 50
62293: (St. Morgan): 8
- 62294 (Troy): 225 (+7)
CLINTON COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: 11 new positives, one new death, 10 new recoveries, one additional hospitalization
Total overall: 990 positives, 20 deaths, 705 recoveries, nine hospitalizations
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62215 (Albers, Damiansville): 47
- 62216 (Aviston): 94
- 62218 (Bartelso): 60
- 62230 (Breese): 171
- 62231 (Carlyle): 197
- 62245 (Germantown): 45
- 62265 (New Baden): 116
- 62293 (Trenton): 108
- 62801 (Centralia): 276
RANDOLPH COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: Seven new positives, 125 new tests administered, seven new recoveries
Total overall: 901 positives, 11 deaths, 11,002 tests administered, 799 recoveries
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62217 (Baldwin): 16 (+1)
- 62233 (Chester): 329 (+4)
- 62237 (Coulterville): 62
- 62241 (Ellis Grove): 18
- 62242 (Evansville): 22
- 62272 (Percy): 64
- 62277 (Prairie Du Rocher): 10
- 62278 (Red Bud): 139
- 62286 (Sparta): 150 (+2)
- 62288 (Steeleville): 99
- 62292 (Tilden): 6
- 62297 (Walsh): 6
- 62916 (Campbell Hill): 13
MONROE COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: Three new positives, one new hospitalization
Total overall: 595 positives, 14 deaths, three hospitalizations
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62236 (Columbia): 237 (+3)j
- 62244 (Fults): 7
- 62295 (Valmeyer): 26
- 62298 (Waterloo): 287
MACOUPIN COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: Six new positives, eight new recoveries, one fewer hospitalization
Total overall: 488 positives, eight deaths, 165 recoveries, four hospitalizations
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62009 (Benld, Sawyerville, Mount Clare): 14
- 62012 (Brighton): 76
- 62014 (Bunker Hill): 43
62033 (Gillespie): 80
62063 (Medora, Summerville, Kemper, Rockbridge): 9
62069 (Mount Olive): 30
- 62088 (Staunton): 90
- 62626 (Carlinville): 55
- 62640 (Girard): 12
- 62674 (Palmyra, Barr): 13
- 62685 (Royal Lakes, Plainview, Shipman): 13
- 62690 (Virden): 28 (+3)
JERSEY COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: Two new positives
Total overall: 364 positives; 12 deaths, 276 recoveries
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62022 (Newbern): 18
- 62028 (Elsah): 8
- 62031 (Fieldon): 9
- 62037 (Grafton): 31
- 62052 (Jerseyville): 230 (+2)
PERRY COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: Two new positives, 11 new recoveries
Total overall: 329 positives, 15 deaths, 293 recoveries
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62238 (Cutler): 15
- 62274 (Pinckneyville): 158 (+3)
- 62832 (Du Quoin): 99
- 62888 (Tamaroa): 23
- 62997 (Willisville): 8
BOND COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: Five new positives
Total overall: 268 positives, four deaths, 12,176 tests administered
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62086 (Sorento): 9 (+1)
- 62246 (Greenville): 173
- 62262 (Mulberry Grove): 18 (+5)
- 62275 (Pocahontas, Old Ripley): 69
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: Nine new positives
Total overall: 178 positives, one death, 149 recoveries, three hospitalizations
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62214 (Venedy, Addieville): 13 (+1)
- 62263 (Nashville, New Minden): 66
- 62268 (Oakdale): 8
- 62271 (Okawville): 25 (+6)
- 62808 (Ashley): 16 (+2)
- 62848 (Irvington): 17 (+1)
CALHOUN COUNTY
Wednesday’s new data: No new data
Total overall: 35 positives, 26 recoveries
ZIP codes with positives:
- 62036 (Golden Eagle): 6
- 62047 (Hardin): 8
State, nation, world statistics
Here are the latest available statistics from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Johns Hopkins University’s coronavirus map as of Wednesday afternoon:
- Illinois: 266,151 cases, 8,367 deaths
- U.S.: 6,789,877 cases, 200,280 deaths, 4,069,054 recoveries
- World: 29,812,446 cases, 940,781 deaths, 21,614,948 recoveries
Testing sites in southwestern Illinois
The St. Clair County Health Department has announced free COVID-19 testing in the following location:
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, at Gateway Classic Cars at 1237 Central Park Drive in O’Fallon.
No appointment is necessary. Masks are required.
The IDPH also offers free walk-up and drive-thru COVID-19 testing seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or until they meet their capacity per day) at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis, Highway 64 West, exit 4A.
Capacity is limited. Hours of operation are subject to change based on available equipment. For more information, visit http://dph.illinois.gov/testing.
Additionally, Touchette Regional Hospital and SIHF Healthcare offer daily testing in Belleville and Wood River by first calling 618-646-2596 for an appointment.
Get the latest news on coronavirus
BND.com will keep you updated throughout the day with information about the spread of the coronavirus in southwestern Illinois.
You can also find the most complete and up-to-date information from government sites including:
- State of Illinois’ COVID-19 page: coronavirus.illinois.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html
- Federal government’s coronavirus page: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Who to call about mental health
Here are some resources from mental health professionals for anyone struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Illinois Human Services Mental Health Division’s Call4Calm: Text the word “talk” to 552020 to text with a mental health care professional for free.
- Centerstone of Illinois Inc.: Call 618-462-2331 for virtual mental health services.
- Chestnut Health Systems: Call 618-877-4420 for virtual mental health services.
- Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous: Call 618-398-9409 or email metroeastnapr@gmail.com to learn about virtual meetings.
- Regional Disaster Mental Health Volunteer Response Team: Call a support line for health care professionals at 618-381-5173.
Contact BND with tips, concerns, suggestions
If you have suggestions about something for the BND to cover regarding the COVID-19 pandemic or if you see a report that sounds suspicious on social media or anywhere else, please drop us a note at newsroom@bnd.com and include a link. We’ll check it out.
We’d like to hear from healthcare workers
The BND would like to speak with nurses, doctors and other health care professionals who are on the front lines caring for patients in doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals during this difficult time. We’re interested in hearing about your challenges and rewards, frustrations and accomplishments. How is this affecting you? Send us an email at newsroom@bnd.com.
Willing to share your COVID-19 story?
Have you recovered from coronavirus or are you in the process of recovering from COVID-19? We would like to hear from you on how you dealt with the respiratory disease. Send us an email at newsroom@bnd.com.
This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 6:02 PM.