IDPH announces new COVID response team

Photo provided by Illinois.gov

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported that the CDC is reporting that 15 counties are high alert for COVID-19, while 14 counties are on medium alert. As of Feb 5, 2023, the agency recorded that there were over four million total cases and over 36,000 deaths since the first case of COVID was reported in Illinois.

IDPH Director Dr. Samheer Vohra shared the news that the state has created the task force STATeam, with the purpose of serving as a rapid response team. The acronym stands for Support, Treatment, and Access Team. They will be sent to areas where there are increased infections of COVID-19.

“We are seeing a slight increase in COVID-19 community levels this week, as COVID-19 community levels are relatively low and the State of Illinois plans for the end of the statewide disaster declaration in May,” stated Dr. Vohra. 

Dr. Vohra reiterated the Department’s commitment towards serving and protecting the people of Illinois against the infectious disease through the STATeam.

“IDPH remains dedicated to staying vigilant and protecting the most vulnerable Illinoisans,” stated Dr. Vohra. “We are excited to announce the launch of the new STATeam. This innovative new program will provide additional layers of support for our local health departments and long term care facilities, protecting our most at-risk residents and keeping them safe from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.”