Illinois Sees Highest Number of New COVID-19 Cases Since September

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported a record daily high of new COVID-19 cases Thursday. 4,015 new cases were confirmed and 53 additional deaths. That’s the highest one-day total since more than 5300 new cases were reported September 4th due to a backlog in tests. The Macon County Health Department meanwhile, also recorded 88 newly confirmed cases Thursday, including Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, who disclosed her diagnosis Thursday morning. The statewide positivity rate has now risen to 4.9%, with higher numbers seen in many communities.