New Coronavirus Strain May Be Dominant In U.S.: SIU Researchers

ILLINOIS — Researchers at Southern Illinois University say they have discovered a new mutation of the coronavirus already prevalent in the United States. According to a preliminary paper submitted Monday for peer review, the so-called 20C-US strain accounts for about half of all U.S. cases. Calling it "home-grown and widespread," researchers said it may already be the dominant strain of the virus in the country.

State health officials also announced the first case of the more contagious U.K. coronavirus strain has been detected in Illinois. The case was identified by Northwestern University medical school researchers who analyzed specimens from samples of COVID-19-poistive tests, according to the Chicago and Illinois departments of public health. Because of its increased transmissibility, the CDC says B.1.1.7 is likely to be the dominant strain of the virus in the United States by March.

State health officials on Friday reported 6,642 new cases of the coronavirus in Illinois and 123 more deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus. More than 1 million Illinoisans have now caught the virus, and 18,049 have died from it.

The latest deaths in Illinois include:

• Adams County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s, 1 female 100+
• Champaign County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s
• Christian County: 1 male 50s
• Coles County: 1 male 80s
• Cook County: 1 male 30s, 1 female 50s, 2 males 50s, 3 females 60s, 6 males 60s, 3 females 70s, 4 males 70s, 7 females 80s, 10 males 80s, 3 females 90s, 6 males 90s
• DeKalb County: 1 male 80s
• DuPage County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s, 2 females 90s
• Edwards County: 1 female 70s
• Franklin County: 1 male 80s
• Henderson County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 100+
• Henry County: 1 female 80s
• Iroquois County: 1 male 50s
• Jasper County: 1 female 80s
• Jefferson County: 2 males 70s
• Kane County: 1 male 60s, 2 females 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
• Kankakee County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 80s
• Kendall County: 1 male 50s
• Lake County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
• Lawrence County: 1 male 70s
• Macoupin County: 1 female 90s
• Madison County: 3 females 80s, 1 female 90s
• McHenry County: 1 male 30s, 2 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
• McLean County: 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
• Monroe County: 1 female 90s
• Peoria County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
• Randolph County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 80s
• Richland County: 1 female 60s
• Schuyler County: 1 male 80s
• Shelby County: 1 female 80s
• St. Clair County: 1 male 60s, 3 males 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
• Tazewell County: 1 male 40s, 1 male 60s, 2 males 70s
• Vermilion County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 50s, 1 male 70s
• Will County: 2 males 70s, 2 males 80s
• Williamson County: 1 female 70s
• Winnebago County: 1 male 60s
• Woodford County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s

SIU chemistry professor Keith Gagnon, whose lab discovered the new coronavirus strain, said 20C-US can be traced back to Texas, where it seems to have developed around May. The fact that it now accounts for half of all cases in the country points to it being more contagious than other strains.

"There are hundreds of variants floating around, so for this one to rise to prominence suggests it might be more transmissible," Gagnon said, according to SIU's news site.

Like the U.K. strain of the virus — a variant called B.1.1.7 — the U.S. strain has undergone mutations in the proteins that form the virus's spiky crown. These spike proteins help the virus attach itself to cells in the nose and can even penetrate the blood-brain barrier. It's these spike proteins that Pfizer and Moderna's vaccines program cells to replicate, creating an immune response. As such, any mutations in them could be concerning for the effectiveness of those vaccines.

“Based on the mutations so far, I don’t think it will significantly impact the vaccine’s effectiveness," Gagnon said. "The catch is that the virus continues to evolve; and since May, it has acquired three mutations, and two of them are in the spike protein, one of which might affect antibody binding. There are a lot of unknowns.”

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the state's top public health official, said the state will continue to work with researchers and doctors to monitor new strains of the virus. In the meantime, she recommends masks, social distancing and good hygiene as the best way to protect against any strain of the virus.

"The same measures that have helped protect Illinoisans from COVID-19 will also help protect residents from the [new] variant," she said. "Wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, avoiding crowds, ventilating indoor spaces, and washing hands frequently remain the best tools for preventing the spread of the virus, no matter the strain."

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday lifted some coronavirus restrictions on Regions 1, 2 and 5, in northwest, north central and southern Illinois, respectively, as case rates declined in there.

Federal officials say the vaccine rollout has been slow going and distribution is behind schedule, though vaccination rates have more than doubled in many Illinois counties in the past week. As of Friday, about 450,000 doses of the vaccine had been administered across the state. That represents about half the total doses the state has received and just over 3 percent of the state's total population.

Almost all of those who have received the vaccine are health care workers and residents of long-term-care facilities, who were prioritized under the first phase of the vaccine rollout.

Public health officials expect to complete the first phase, Phase 1a, of the state's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan next week, according to the governor. About 3.2 million people will be eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine in Phase 1B, including Illinois residents 65 and older and front-line essential workers, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the IDPH.

As of Wednesday night, 3,446 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 across Illinois, including 712 in intensive care and 386 on ventilators.

The statewide case positivity rate — a rolling, seven-day average — fell 0.3 percentage points from Thursday to 6.5 percent. The test positivity rate fell 0.3 percentage points to 7.7 percent.

According to Johns Hopkins University, a positivity rate of less than 5 percent is a good measure of whether enough tests are being conducted, and state officials have said a rate higher than 8 percent will trigger new restrictions in a given region.

See how your region is doing here.

The United States now has more than 23.4 million confirmed coronavirus infections, and at least 391,098 Americans have died from COVID -19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Based on the latest predictions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 440,000 to 477,000 Americans could be dead from the disease by Feb. 6.

Globally, more than 93.6 million people have been infected and more than 2 million are known to have died.

Illinois Patch Local Business Information Center

As local and state economies slowly emerge from pandemic lockdowns, it's often hard for customers to know the conditions under which local businesses are open. The business center contains easily accessible and up-to-date information about scores of local businesses, including everything from operating hours to the availability of by-appointment services, quick website links and other contact information. It's free to use and free for businesses to join.

Here's what's happening with the coronavirus in Illinois:

B117 COVID-19 Variant First Identified In UK Detected In Illinois

Northwestern University researchers found the new strain, thought to be more contagious, in samples selected at random last month.

Coronavirus Restrictions Lifted In Parts Of Illinois

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state is ready to move to Phase 1b of its COVID-19 vaccination plan on Jan. 25.

Ulta Beauty Lays Off 'Meaningful' Share Of Staffers Amid Pandemic

The Bolingbrook-based beauty retailer laid off employees Tuesday to rest the "corporate cost structure," spokesperson Eileen Ziesemer said.

Library Will Not Reopen Due To High Number Of Staff In Quarantine

The Northbrook Library had planned to reopen to the public on Jan. 19 for "grab and go" services.

Over 70,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Given In Suburban Cook County

In the last week, the rate of vaccinations in the Cook County suburbs has more than doubled.

Phase 1B Of Vaccination Will Not Begin For 2 More Months: WCHD

The Will Co. Health Department is asking senior members to be patient as the county completes Phase 1A of the COVID-19 vaccination program

Rep. Schneider Tests Positive For Coronavirus

U.S. Rep Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) is at least the third Congress member to contract it since last Wednesday's attack on U.S. Capitol.

335K Coronavirus Vaccines Administered In IL; Next Phase Imminent

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he expects to announce a timeline later this week for Phase 1B, which includes about 3.2 million people.

Phase 1B Of Illinois' COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan Revealed

Everyone aged 65 and over will be included in the next phase of vaccinations, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced.

Illinois Coronavirus Helpline:

Illinois officials say a state helpline has been set up to provide emotional support and quick answers to questions about the coronavirus pandemic. Illinoisans can test "TALK" to 55-2020 (or "HABLAR" for Spanish), and within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor. Residents can also text keywords such as "UNEMPLOYMENT," "FOOD" or "SHELTER," to the same number to receive additional information about those topics.

Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 1,059,324
• Confirmed Deaths: 18,049
• People tested: 14,564,776
• Recovered: Illinois does not provide exact numbers of recovered cases, but says the recovery rate is 97 percent.

Nationwide:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 23,475,380
• Deaths: 391,098
• People tested: 273,074,188
• Recovered: Latest data unavailable

Global:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 93,626,393
• Deaths: 2,004,269
• People tested: No data available
• Recovered: 51,579,841

Sources: Johns Hopkins University and IDPH

Tips from the CDC on dealing with coronavirus:

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommends taking these actions to prevent the spread of viruses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

What to do if you're sick:

Call head if you're planning to visit your doctor:

• If you have a medical appointment, call the health care provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the health care provider's office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

Stay home unless you must see a doctor:

• Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
• Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home:

• Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Limit contact with pets and animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just as you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
• When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face mask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Avoid sharing personal household items:

• Do not share: You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
• Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Masks:

• CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
• Face mask instructions — sew- and no-sew masks

To donate personal protective equipment (PPE), email PPE.donations@illinois.gov. For health questions about COVID-19, call the state coronavirus hotline at 800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.