Health officials urge caution as COVID-19 infections increase

WOODSTOCK — The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is urging everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, to remain vigilant as COVID-19 testing positivity 7-day rolling average exceeds 8%.

McHenry County’s test positivity 7-day rolling average was 9.2% as of April 16. The health department has been identifying cases related to spring break and outbreaks in school-related extracurricular activities.

The increasing rate of cases indicates there is a rise of COVID-19 in the younger age groups. While the highest rates of spread continue to be among the 20-29 age group, MCDH is beginning to see increasing rates of spread among the 5-19 age group.

“Current data suggest that we are becoming too relaxed in our behaviors, which is allowing the virus to flourish in our communities,” said MCDH Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamson. “If you’re fully vaccinated, it’s OK to gather with other fully vaccinated people, but please limit those interactions if you have yet to receive your vaccine or if it’s before the 14 day waiting period after receiving the necessary doses of vaccine.”

Practices that prevent the transmission of COVID-19 include maintaining a 6-foot distance from others when in common public spaces, avoiding social gatherings and wearing a mask. While each of the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers protection against severe illness caused by the virus, we are still learning how well they prevent the virus from being passed from one person to another.

“Getting your vaccination protects you and our community, but so does wearing a mask, watching your distance and washing your hands,” Adamson said.

To view the IDPH county-level risk map, visit the County Level COVID-19 Risk Metrics webpage. For additional data and resources specific to McHenry County, visit mcdh.info.