State Public Health Officials Announce 8,009 New Cases of Coronavirus Disease

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 8,009 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, and 133 additional deaths on Thursday.

Locally, Effingham County had one death, a man in his 50s, while Shelby County reported the death of a woman in her 90s, and Clay County saw the death of one female over 100. Thursday evening, Effingham County's Health Department reported 53 new cases of the virus. Positive demographics are broken down below.

As of last night, 4,093 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 837 patients were in the ICU and 496 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.

The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total tests from December 24 – December 30, 2020, is 7.7% for the State. Through December 28, Region 6 is at 8.7%, while Effingham County is at 11.7% for the same period.

Thursday evening, Effingham County's Health Department posted a message about the effects COVID-19 has had on the area and their department, and their hope that 2021 brings the cooperation of the public to help eradicate the virus.