Covid — The Villagers Voice

CDC Reports that 15 Illinois Counties are now Rated at High Community Level for COVID-19 Including Chicago Metro Area

May 27, 2022 by Villagers Voice

Public Health Officials Stress Importance of Being Updated on Vaccinations and Boosters; Vulnerable People Should Exercise Caution in Indoor Spaces

The CDC reported late today that 15 Illinois counties are now rated at High Community Level for COVID-19, an area that includes Chicago, Cook County and surrounding counties in northeastern Illinois as well as counties around Peoria. An additional 30 counties in Illinois are now rated at Medium Community Level, according to the CDC.

The counties listed at High Community Level are Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Will, Grundy, Boone, Lee and Winnebago in Northern Illinois and Fulton, Knox, Henderson, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell in Central Illinois. [Read more...]

EHD Area Loses Nine Residents to Covid Complications

February 18, 2022 by Villagers Voice

Egyptian Health Department was notified of one Gallatin County resident, three Saline County residents, and five White County residents who have passed away due to complications of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are saddened by this news and our thoughts are with the families. [Read more...]

Illinois Department of Public Health Announces COVID-19 Antivirals Available in the Coming Weeks

January 6, 2022 by Villagers Voice

Antivirals will be by prescription only and can help prevent severe illness

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is announcing two new COVID-19 oral antivirals, Paxlovid (Pfizer) and Molnupiravir (Merck), will be available in Illinois later this month. The antivirals are for those with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for becoming severely ill, including hospitalization or death. Both antivirals will be available by prescription only and should be taken as soon as possible after being diagnosed and within five days of the beginning of symptoms. Paxlovid is expected to reduce the risk of hospitalizations by 89% and Molnupiravir by about 30%. Molnupiravir is meant for use when other treatment options are not available. [Read more...]

Illinois Department of Public Health Adds Partnership to Enhance and Expand K-12 School COVID-19 Testing

October 8, 2021 by Kathy Sands

To help increase capacity and facilitate faster access to COVID-19 testing in schools across the state, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has partnered with the U.S. Health and Human Services’ Midwest COVID-19 Testing Coordination Center (MCC) to provide testing to all public and private schools that are now seeking to establish a testing program. [Read more...]

Rich Gurka – Massive Deer Die-Off in Idaho

September 1, 2021 by Villagers Voice

It seems that a massive deer die-off is currently underway in Idaho.

According to the Idaho Fish and Game officials, a potential variant of the EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease) VIRUS may have caused this outbreak in the Clearwater region of the state. [Read more...]

Rich Gurka: Covid Deer

August 21, 2021 by Villagers Voice

Just a quick advisory. Please conduct an internet search for “deer with covid.”

The USDA has detected COVID-19 antibodies in whitetail deer in four states, including Illinois. Rather than get into all of the science of it all, please find the time, if you are interested, to do your own readings. [Read more...]

Gov. Pritzker Issues Guidelines for Illinois Reopening on June 11

June 5, 2021 by Villagers Voice

With Continued Progress on Vaccination Rates, All Businesses and Industries to Fully Reopen as State Concludes Restore Illinois Plan, Outdoor Mask Requirement to be Lifted in Schools Following CDC Guidance

Following weeks of steady decreases in new positive COVID-19 cases and with over 67% of residents age 18 and older receiving their first vaccine dose, Governor JB Pritzker is releasing guidelines for Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, which will go into effect on June 11th and marks a full reopening of all businesses and activities. This guidance will mean businesses, large-scale events, conventions, amusement parks, and seated-spectator venues, among others, will be able to operate at full capacity for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The State is also lifting the outdoor mask requirement in schools in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). [Read more...]

Charlie’s Voice – Who Do We Trust, And Why?

March 1, 2021 by Charles Melton

Charlie Melton

By Charlie Melton

I’m scheduled for the Covid-19 vaccine and I truly don’t know what to do. My friends have already taken the shot. My family wants me to get vaccinated. I’m trying to decide if it will be a benefit to my fellow man, or a detriment to society and to the species. I am, after all, of little consequence. In a few years, I’ll be forgotten. According to some, I’m a Deplorable and my life is an imposition. [Read more...]