Coronavirus Update From Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso (Dec. 23)

Press release from the Burr Ridge Police Department:

Wednesday December 23rd, 2020 :: 03:34 p.m. CST

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MAYOR GRASSO ON COVID-19
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
VACCINES HERE - “MASK FOR US”

The race is on between the distribution and administration of two vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna, so far) and the virus spreading - and mutating as recently reported in the UK. The vaccines are expected to be effective against any variant or mutation. The first categories of those to be inoculated with the vaccines are front line caregivers, EMT and police and now those in congregate nursing facilities and those age 75 and older. Right behind them will be firefighters, food and agriculture workers, manufacturing and grocery workers, public transportation and teachers – and those age 65-74. That last group includes me and I will get in line when it’s my turn for the vaccine. Remember, there are two shots needed about 4 to 6 weeks apart and you have to receive the same vaccine both times – you cannot “mix” them. Both vaccines are over 90% effective. The few allergic reactions to both vaccines appear to be manageable.

In DuPage, the average age of death from COVID-19 is 80. Almost 68% of DuPage deaths are related to long term care facilities and 87% of these have underlying conditions which include in no particular order, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular and/or chronic lung disease, obesity or a suppressed immune system. (There is more discernable information on the DuPage County BOH dashboard.) Although Burr Ridge is a relatively small community of just over 11,000 residents, we have four nursing home that tend to increase our Covid death rate per resident. With two vaccines available, we have great hope of defeating the virus when the vulnerable and those over 65 are vaccinated.

Total COVID-19 cases in Burr Ridge as of today is 711; 493 (DuPage) and 218 (Cook), up 18 cases since December 18. Click here for the DuPage County dashboard and here for Cook. Preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total tests from December 15 through December 21 is now 7.4%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from December 15 through December 21 is 9.0%. Area positivity rate continues to steadily go down and now is around 8%, well below the 12% threshold of concern. Area hospitals continue to be able to treat those needing treatment. There was no spike in our area from Thanksgiving – and hopefully there will be no spike in cases after Christmas and New Years. Today’s quote, while focusing on Christmas, contains a universal message of hope offered to all believers in this continuing difficult time. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and good wishes of family and friendship to all of you.

“The message of the Christmas Tree … is that life is ‘evergreen’ if one gives: not so much material things, but of oneself: in Friendship and Sincere Affection, and Fraternal help and forgiveness, in shared time and reciprocal listening.” - Pope John Paul II

SOCIAL DISTANCE – WEAR PROPER FACE COVERINGS – VACCINES!

This press release was produced by the Burr Ridge Police Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.