St. Clair County, much of IL, at ‘high’ COVID transmission levels, latest CDC data show

The latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show COVID-19 transmission is at “high” levels in St. Clair and several contiguous counties, though the community level – a separate metric – remains “low.”

Thursday’s update from the federal health agency comes amid rising case numbers in many stretches of the U.S. as subvariants of omicron continue to spread. The highly contagious subvariants are now the dominant strains in the country.

America hit a grim milestone this month, as well: 1 million deaths from COVID-19.

COVID community transmission levels by Illinois County

Under the latest map, St. Clair, Madison, Clinton and Monroe counties are all scored at high levels of COVID-19 community transmission, as of Thursday’s update. Across the state line, St. Louis City, Mo., is also scored high.

Neighboring Randolph County is scored as substantial and Washington County, moderate.

The community transmission level metric is calculated using data on the number of new cases per 100,000 people and the percentage of positive NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) tests, both over the last seven days.

COVID community levels by Illinois County

While transmission levels are high, the CDC’s separate COVID community levels metric shows a different picture for the metro-east.

St. Clair and all neighboring counties except Madison are at low community levels, as of Thursday’s update. Madison County is scored at medium.

Across Illinois, seven counties are scored high. They are Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Lee, Peoria, Tazewell, Ford and Champaign.

In counties scored at high COVID-19 community levels, the federal health agency recommends universal masking in indoor, public places.

The community levels are determined weekly using three data sets – new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people in the past seven days, new cases per 100,000 in the past seven days and percent of available COVID hospital beds occupied.

Masking and other health recommendations for individuals are as follows under the community levels:

• Low: Stay up to date on vaccinations and boosters, get tested if you have symptoms.
• Medium: If you are considered high risk, consider masking in public, stay up to date on vaccinations and boosters, get tested if you have symptoms.
• High: Wear a mask in indoor, public places, stay up to date on vaccinations and boosters, get tested if you have symptoms, take extra precautions around high-risk individuals.

Individuals can mask at any time, regardless of their county’s community level, the CDC reminds. Those with symptoms, who have tested positive or have been exposed, should mask in public at all times.

You can find state-level data from the Illinois Department of Health online.