Kane County Enters High COVID-19 Community Category, Officials Say

ST. CHARLES, IL — Like many surrounding counties in northern Illinois, Kane County finds itself in the high COVID-19 community category, local health officials announced.

County officials said that the county is now one of 32 Illinois counties that is in the high category, joining Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake counties along with the City of Chicago. The categories are determined by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC officials have indicated that counties that are considered in the high community category either have more than 200 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents or that COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen to the point to move the county up to the high category from the medium classification.

“The most effective way to prevent severe illness is for all to be up-to-date with vaccinations and boosters,” Kane County health officials wrote in a news release. “This is especially important for elders and persons who are immunocompromised or have complex medical conditions. If needed, contact a healthcare provider promptly to discuss what treatment is right for you.

CDC officials said that residents who live in counties in the high category should consider wearing a mask in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.

Officials also indicate that residents who are immunocompromised should wear a mask and should have a plan for treatment if they test positive for COVID-19.

Since the pandemic started, nearly 137,000 Kane County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 1,133 people have died from the virus.