Evanston’s health department says the COVID-19 risk level here remained at the medium level this week, although Chicago and Cook County numbers increased to high.
New cases per 100K in last 7 days New admissions per 100K in last 7 days % of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients (7-day average) Risk Level Goal: <200 Goal: <10 Goal: <10% Evanston 429 6.4 1.5% MEDIUM Chicago 279 7.0 4% HIGH Cook County 324 10.9 3.5% HIGH
Chicago has chosen to raise its risk level to high because the county-wide risk calculation has reached that level.
But Evanston, despite having higher case counts per capita than either Chicago or Cook County has kept it’s risk level at medium because new hospital admissions and an bed occupancy levels for COVID cases have remained lower here.
With case levels above 200 per 100,000 residents in all three areas, a “low” risk level is not an option, under guidelines from the federal Centers for Disease Control.
With the risk level here at medium, the Evanston Department of Health and Human Services is recommending that residents:
- Wear a mask indoors to protect those at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
- Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or have had an exposure to someone with COVID-19.
- Socialize outdoors if possible and avoid poorly ventilated indoor settings.
- Get tested before attending a family or public event. Home tests are ideal for this purpose.
- Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
- Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to or have symptoms of COVID-19.
COVID-19 cases declined this week at Evanston/Skokie School District 65.
Cases at Evanston Township High School trended up in the most recent report issued Monday.
Cases at Northwestern University were declining, as of the latest published report, issued on May 19.