Health officials identified the first case of the COVID-19 variant on Saturday in Lake County, which circulated in the UK
In the meantime, Chicago officials have asked residents to remember the coronavirus security protocol ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl meetings.
Here are the latest COVID-19 headlines across the state:
Interim agreement reached between CPS and CTU as a face-to-face learning program defined to resume
After weeks of negotiations, the Chicago Teachers’ Union and the Chicago Public Schools reached an interim agreement to return children and teachers to classrooms, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on Sunday.
The agreement, which will need to be ratified by the CTU Chamber of Delegates, will allow teachers and students to return to classrooms in the coming weeks, with pre-K and cluster students expected to return this week.
“We are here to announce the good news that our children will return to personal learning this week,” said Lightfoot. “The past 11 months have been a whirlwind for our entire city, pushing us to the limit countless times. We have lost jobs, we have lost loved ones. We have all been on an uninterrupted emotional roller coaster that we individually and collectively try to navigate.
Illinois reports 2,060 new coronavirus cases, 48 additional deaths on Sunday
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported just over 2,000 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus on Sunday, with an additional 48 deaths attributed to the virus.
According to the latest IDPH data, 2,060 cases have been reported in the past 24 hours. These new cases raise the total across the state to 1,146,341 since the pandemic began.
The additional 48 deaths bring the state to 19,633 deaths during the pandemic.
Lake County reports first case of variant COVID-19
The first case of the COVID-19 variant was identified in Lake County, health officials announced on Saturday.
The Lake County Health Department reported the first case of coronavirus variant B.1.1.7, which is the most common strain in the UK in recent months.
The individual infected with the variant traveled internationally and was in contact with a sick person before returning to the United States in late December, health officials said.
According to the secretary, the individual did not show symptoms of the coronavirus.
“We hope to see more cases of these new variants in Lake County, as they appear to spread more easily and quickly than other variants,” said Dr. Sana Ahmed, Medical Epidemiologist at LCHD. “It is extremely important that you follow the quarantine recommendations and take the test if you have traveled or been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.”
Health officials recalled that studies suggest that the currently available COVID-19 vaccine is effective against new strains.
For more information on the new coronavirus strain, click here.
Chicago officials demand security amid Super Bowl celebrations this weekend
As the coronavirus pandemic continues in Chicago, city officials have reminded residents to safely celebrate Super Bowl Sunday.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Department of Public Health commissioner Allison Arwady have advised people to follow safety precautions, especially while the city is recording the lowest positivity rates for COVID-19 since October.
“We have made a lot of progress in the past few weeks – now is not the time to let our guard down,” said Lightfoot. “I will watch the game with my wife and daughter at home and invite all Chicagoans to do the same and avoid meetings. We are not going to make the Super Bowl a super-spread event! “
City officials recalled that traditional Super Bowl meetings have the potential to be coronavirus over-spreading events, which is why they are asking residents to order food at a local bar or restaurant, as well as avoid parties with mixed families.
According to Lightfoot and Arwady, the best way to avoid internal meetings with people outside the home. However, if guests are indoors, health officials said people should keep a distance of 1.80 m and use facial coverings.
“While Super Bowl parties of any kind are strongly discouraged, Chicago residents are reminded that, in order of health, indoor residential meetings should be limited to no more than ten people,” said a statement.
As the city is undergoing Phase 4 coronaanavirus mitigations, the following regulations apply if you go to bars or restaurants:
- Six people per table
- Six feet apart between tables
- Internal capacity limited to less than 25% or 25 individuals
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection workers will visit entertainment venues across Chicago before the big event on Sunday, according to a statement.
Kroger will pay workers $ 100 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
Kroger is offering a $ 100 incentive for employees who receive two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to encourage members to get vaccinated, the Cincinnati-based food retailer announced on Friday.
The vaccine payment will be offered to all associates who present proof of vaccination to their human resources representative, according to a company note.
Employees who are unable to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons will have the option of completing an educational health and safety course to receive payment.
The company also announced an additional $ 50 million investment to thank and reward employees, including a $ 100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for supermarkets, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and hourly call center associates. .
The Chicago area grocer, Mariano’s, is a subsidiary of Kroger.
For a complete view of how you can make an appointment or where you can receive information about vaccines in your area, click here.