There were 18,107 hits on this article over the weekend–a record for McHenry County Blog.

So, for those who didn’t log in late Saturday or Sunday, here it is again:

“As of July 25, 2020, there have been 2676 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in McHenry County, 108 confirmed deaths and 2 probable deaths. 

First, here is the Saturday report from the McHenry County Health Department:

“As of July 25, 2020, there have been 2676 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in McHenry County, 108 confirmed deaths and 2 probable deaths. 

“The death(s) reported today: None.”

Included in the daily press release from the Illinois Public Health Department is the following list of “indicators” used “when determining if a county is experiencing stable COVID-19 activity, or if there are warning signs of increased COVID-19 risk in the county:”

• New cases per 100,000 people.  If there are 50 or more new cases per 100,000 people in the county, this triggers a warning.

• Number of deaths.  This metric indicates a warning when the number of deaths increases more than 20% for two consecutive weeks.
• Weekly test positivity.  This metric indicates a warning when the 7-day test positivity rate rises above 8%.
• ICU availability.  If there are fewer than 20% of intensive care units available in the region, this triggers a warning.
• Weekly emergency department visits.   This metric indicates a warning when the weekly percent of COVID-19-like-illness emergency department visits increase by more than 20% for two consecutive weeks.
• Weekly hospital admissions.  A warning is triggered when the weekly number of hospital admissions for COVID-19-like-illness increases by more than 20% for two consecutive weeks.
• Tests perform.  This metric is used to provide context and indicate if more testing is needed in the county.
• Clusters. This metric looks at the percent of COVID-19 cases associated with clusters or outbreaks and is used to understand large increase in cases.

These metrics are intended to be used for local level awareness to help local leaders, businesses, local health departments, and the public make informed decisions about personal and family gatherings, as well as what activities they choose to do.  The metrics are updated weekly, from the Sunday-Saturday of the prior week.  

A map and information of each county’s status can be found on the IDPH website at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/countymetrics.