Delta Variant Cases Nearly Double In 1 Week In DuPage County

Wheaton IL

22 July, 2021

2:23 PM

Description

WHEATON, IL — Cases of the delta variant of the coronavirus have nearly doubled in the past week in DuPage County, according to new data from the health department. The influx of identified delta variant cases comes amid a surge in overall coronavirus cases throughout the county. As of July 14, there had been 11 cumulative delta variant cases identified in DuPage County. That number surged to 21 as of July 21. Public health officials estimate that the delta variant makes up roughly 83 percent of new coronavirus cases in DuPage County, creating what they call a "higher level of risk for unvaccinated people." As of July 21, the total amount of new coronavirus cases had increased by 75 percent in DuPage County. Coronavirus hospitalizations were up by 44 percent, per health department data. Since mid-December, 99 percent of coronavirus cases and 99.9 percent of coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths in DuPage County were among residents who had not been fully vaccinated against the disease. To date, DuPage County reports that more than 81 percent of its eligible residents have been administered at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. County health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccinations, especially among children 12 and older. As of July 21, just under 50 percent of children 12 to 17 years old had been fully vaccinated against coronavirus. "We need our children to return to school with low to zero COVID-19 activity, not rising activity—we need to turn things around in the coming weeks for a safer, more enjoyable, and productive school environment for students, staff, and our community," said DuPage County Health Department Executive Director Karen Ayala. Related: DuPage Health Urges Vaccines For Kids Ahead Of School Year Walk-in vaccines are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the health department's newly relocated community vaccination clinic at 111 N. County Farm Rd. For a mobile appointment, click the link to view the DuPage County Care Van schedule.