COVID Testing Sites Disappearing as Cases Surge in Chicago
CHICAGO (WLS) — As COVID cases continue to rise in Chicago, the city is facing a shortage of testing sites. Many of the sites that were once bustling with people getting tested are now boarded up or available for lease.
Despite the official declaration that the pandemic is over, the virus is making a late summer comeback, causing concern among health experts. Dr. Sharon Welbel, a prominent figure in the medical field, stated, “COVID cases are rising. We are seeing them nationally, in our state, city, and in our healthcare system.”
The statistics from the past week in Chicago are alarming. Laboratory-confirmed cases have increased by 22%, while hospitalizations have risen by 42% compared to the previous week. Furthermore, wastewater surveillance has revealed an uptick in the virus in most neighborhoods.
The majority of the current cases are attributed to a sub-variant of omicron, which had been the dominant strain. However, infectious disease experts are now worried about the emergence of the new BA 2.86 variant, also part of the omicron family. Dr. Alfredo Mena Lora warned that this variant has “a lot of potential immune invasion” due to its numerous mutations.
Although there have been a relatively small number of reported cases worldwide, experts stress that the situation can change rapidly. Consequently, doctors are strongly urging their patients to get the new COVID one-shot booster when it becomes available in late September or October. Dr. Mena Lora emphasized the importance of maintaining protection and immunity, which tends to wane every couple of months.
However, the challenge lies in convincing people to take the booster shot. Previous COVID booster rates have been disappointingly low. The lack of federal funds for testing and vaccine outreach, as the virus is no longer considered a public health emergency, further exacerbates the issue. Dr. Welbel believes that the responsibility now falls on healthcare providers, institutions, and health departments to step up their efforts.
Furthermore, it is important to note that COVID vaccines are no longer free for everyone. Individuals must have insurance to receive the vaccine. Nevertheless, the CDC has established a new program to provide shots to the uninsured. Additionally, people can also visit Cook County Health to receive the COVID booster shot.
As Chicago grapples with the resurgence of the virus and the decline in available testing sites, it is crucial for both the community and healthcare providers to remain vigilant and prioritize public health and safety measures.