“We have seen more than 600 new cases in the suburbs of Cook in our jurisdiction alone,” said Dr. Rachel Rubin. ‘And that means that we are at the beginning of a new wave.’
Now county health officials said the rise in the number of cases could translate into new restrictions imposed if those numbers don’t drop.
According to recent data, the most significant increase in the number of cases is in the age group of 20 and 30 years, and the positivity rate has almost doubled from the past few weeks.
“Our overall positivity rate, I think, is maybe about five now, we were just three and this is a big deal,” said Dr. Rubin.
Despite the expansion of ongoing vaccination efforts, the rising numbers of cases have made district officials rethink what should be done.
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“Maybe we should take action in a few days. Somehow I don’t promise, ‘said Dr. Rubin. “We need to evaluate exactly what kind of activities and movements really stimulate this wave.”
That could mean lifting the restrictions for businesses.
“We have to keep going to be safe and that’s really the messages and if we have to limit ourselves [mitigation], you know, kind of quit indoor activities and restaurants and health clubs and things like that – we hope it won’t get to the point where we might have to, “added Dr. Rubin.
Archie Ong, a resident of Evanston, has seen his town undergo so many changes in the past year
“It’s going to be a big setback, of course a lot of restaurants here are having a hard time,” said Ong. “There are some restaurants that have closed, so I hope, I hope it doesn’t happen.”
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For the most part, he and his family still stay at home and hope that others who think the worst is over will do the same.
“People get vaccinated and think it’s safe. I think it might be safe, but at the same time, I don’t think we should relax that much,” Ong added.
For now, health officials recommend keeping things out, while continuing to mask and keep their distance.
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