© 2024 WVIK
Listen at 90.3 FM and 98.3 FM in the Quad Cities, 95.9 FM in Dubuque, or on the WVIK app!
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Rock Island Co. COVID-19 Recovery Data Now Available

The vast majority of people infected with the coronavirus recover in Illinois.

This week, the state health department started releasing new statistics about the outcome of confirmed cases.

Nita Ludwig, Administrator of the Rock Island County Health Department, says 80% of those who catch COVID-19 (and have tested positive for the coronavirus) have mild to moderate symptoms.

"IDPH calculates the recovery number at 92% through a complicated formula. IDPH also breaks it down by region. This is how it looks in Rock Island County this week, though we must note that data are delayed and a lag has occurred."

So far, the health department reports 688 Rock Island County residents have tested positive, and 6% never had any symptoms. Of those currently experiencing symptoms, 48% are recovering at home, while 5.6% are in the hospital. 

Those whose had symptoms but have recovered make up 27% of the total county case number, but Ludwig says 3.4% died. 

"We reported that a woman in her 20s is hospitalized now because of COVID-19. Earlier this month, a man in his 30s died. I imagine neither of them considered themselves to be at substantial risk. Indeed, about 500 of our 688 cases have been people younger than 60 who could have passed on the virus to others who aren’t as strong as they are." 

The state and county health departments' goal is to reassure the public that a positive COVID-19 test is not a “death sentence.”

And people can help others by following all the CDC guidelines. They include:

  • Stay home as much as possible.
  • Keep at least six feet between you and others.
  • Wear a face covering when social distancing isn't possible.
  • Wash your hands frequently.

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
Related Content