217 Today: Friday January 22, 2021
Citing a lack of access to testing for many vulnerable essential workers, a group of researchers teamed up with a local health clinic to organize pop-up COVID-19 testing events in the central Illinois town of Rantoul. Christine Herman/Illinois Newsroom
Today's headlines:
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Yesterday, the Champaign Urbana Public Health District announced they are opening up vaccination clinics to residents 65 years or older.
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The Illinois Department of Public Health announced yesterday that Region 6, which includes Champaign County, is moving to Phase 4 due to its lowering positivity rate and sufficient ICU capacity.
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University of Illinois tuition will be unchanged in the fall for incoming students.
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In Illinois, essential workers and seniors over 65 are eligible for coronavirus vaccines beginning on Monday, in vaccine distribution Phase 1-B, although some county health departments have already been giving shots to these groups. But actually getting an appointment for a vaccination has been challenging — especially for seniors.
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University of Illinois professor Jonathan Coppess wrapped up his work this week helping the Biden transition team.
In today's deep dive, we’ll hear about the challenges of getting COVID-19 testing to certain vulnerable essential workers.
217 Today is produced by Olivia Butts. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Hannah Meisel, Christine Herman and Dana Cronin.