IDPH Director Expects New Strain of COVID-19 will Become Prevalent in Illinois

The state’s top pubic health official says the new strain of COVID-19 will likely become prevalent in Illinois.

The new, more contagious strain was first detected in the UK in September and is likely already here says State Public Health Director Doctor Ngozi Ezike.

“It is probably circulating in such low numbers right now that we have not identified it. The significance of us knowing that it is going to be here, is already here, is that with time, as it did in the UK, it will predominate and be the dominant strain. That would only take a few months.”

Ezike says by March, the majority of cases could be this new variant. She says that’s why it’s important to continue to wear a mask, avoid large gatherings, and get the vaccine when it’s available.