COVID Public Health Emergency Ends After 2K Deaths In DuPage County

DUPAGE COUNTY — Three years after federal and state officials declared coronavirus a public health emergency, those provisions have been lifted as of Thursday, prompting the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) to thank residents and health care workers for their "tireless efforts."

DCHD Executive Director Karen Ayala said in a statement, "DuPage County continues to be a leader with one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the state, this was really 'Our Shot DuPage.' said Karen Ayala, Executive Director, DuPage County Health Department. “I offer heartfelt thanks today to all DCHD staff, healthcare partners, community members, and residents for their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to the well-being of all DuPage County residents.”

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been more than 300,000 coronavirus cases in DuPage County. Among these, 2,027 COVID-related deaths were reported countywide.

Amid DCHD's coronavirus vaccination push, the county quickly boasted the highest number of fully vaccinated residents in Illinois. As of May 11, close to 80 percent of residents in DuPage County had received their first set of COVID shots.

As the public health emergency lifts, vaccines are still available for residents at no cost, but the cost of coronavirus tests will no longer need to be waived by insurers.

Residents can click the link for more information about coronavirus in DuPage County.