Illinois Recording Fastest Hospitalization Decline of Pandemic

Larger Percentage of Illinoisans Have Received a COVID-19 Shot than Anywhere in Midwest

CHICAGO – With statewide COVID-19 hospitalization rates declining faster than any other point in the pandemic, Illinois is on track to lift the statewide indoor mask requirement on Monday, February 28, 2022. Mask requirements will continue where federally mandated, such as on public transit and in high-risk settings including healthcare facilities and congregate care. Masking requirements will also continue to apply in all daycare settings. The state intends to continue masking requirements in P-12 schools subject to pending litigation which impacts a number of schools. As the CDC reaffirmed just today, masks remain a critical tool to keep schools safe and open.

The state reaches this point with more than 21.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered to Illinois residents. Per the CDC, Illinois continues to lead the Midwest in people who have received at least one shot, with 75.7% of people having received their first dose. Illinois also has the most fully vaccinated 17-and-under population in the region, though across the nation, youth vaccination rates continue to trail adult rates.

Read more ...

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address:

“It is imperative that we fund further initiatives to keep our communities safe, as many Illinoisans are living in fear due to gang violence and carjackings. I am glad that, finally, the Gang Crime Witness Protection Program I sponsored will be receiving $20 million in funding. This program is crucial to ensure that we can keep Illinoisans safe from the violence that plagues our communities.

“I will continue to advocate for an end to the violence that interferes with the safety of our most vulnerable populations, and for increased investment in violence prevention initiatives.

“In addition, I will continue to support COVID-19 recovery for our communities and frontline workers. We must do everything necessary to combat this virus, which is why I am pleased that this plan includes the proper funding to health care organizations as well as resources for frontline workers to support pandemic safety and recovery.”

CHICAGO – Thanks to support from State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) over $4 million in Back to Business grants were awarded to local businesses throughout the 5th District.

“As the pandemic continues, businesses are still in need of essential aid to keep them going,” Van Pelt said. “Businesses such as hotels, museums and restaurants have been some of the hardest hit by the effects of COVID-19.”

Read more ...

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) announced over $1 million in investments for pre-apprenticeship programs on the West Side through the Illinois Works program.

“With this investment, local organizations will create jobs and wealth for the community at large,” Van Pelt said. “I am happy that West Side pre-apprenticeship programs will receive much needed backing for training and wraparound supportive services.”

Read more ...