Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today.
XBB.1.5, ‘Kraken': Why is New COVID Variant So Contagious? What to Know as It Rises in Midwest
The CDC has changed its estimates for how prevalent the agency believes XBB.1.5 is in the U.S. late last week, now saying the variant makes up just 27.6% cases, down from the roughly 40% of cases being reported. That would make it no longer dominant in the country, though it continues to make up a majority of cases in the Northeast, with the variant believed to be responsible for more than 70% of COVID infections.
Also known as XBB.1.5, the variant quickly rose to prominence as experts say it is more contagious than many of its predecessors.Concerns have emerged about the possibility of a post-holiday COVID surge fueled by a new variant, recent large gatherings and the return to the classroom following winter break.
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Illinois Department of Public Health launches online COVID tracker using wastewaterNow that residents have switched to at-home COVID testing, wastewater is a way for public health officials to receive data on Illinois communities.
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Illinois Supreme Court sees female majority for first time in state's historyThe Illinois Supreme Court met for the first time since the new year on Tuesday with a first-ever female majority since Illinois became a state in 1818.
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NEH, NEA give more than $2 million in grants for humanities and art projects in IllinoisThe National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts on Tuesday announced grants for humanities and art projects, including about $2.4 million for 93 projects in Illinois.
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House Once Again Passes Illinois Assault Weapons Ban, Sending Bill to Pritzker's DeskA bill banning assault weapons in Illinois has once again passed the House and now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for a final signature before becoming a new gun law in Illinois.
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