WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own

As Covid threat rises, Illinois data gets murky

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 01:10 PM PDT

Most of the Chicago region is now back in the "high" threat level for Covid-19 transmission; but it comes as some of the metrics that used to drive decision making about the virus may be as murky as it was during the early days of the pandemic.

With the widespread availability of at-home test kits, most positive results don't get reported to the state and therefore aren't included in Illinois' official case count.

"From the start of the pandemic, we have never known the 'real' or total COVID infection numbers because we have always missed people with COVID who did not test for a variety of reasons, including being asymptomatic," Illinois Department of Public Health spokesman Mike Claffey told WGN Investigates. "Home testing has increased this proportion." 

Instead, IDPH now looks at the weekly case rate (now at 260 cases per 100,000) and other factors.

Which numbers matter?

As vaccines and boosters provide protection against the worst outcomes of the virus, hospitalizations and deaths become a key marker in determining the threat to the community.  However, the Illinois Department of Public Health still doesn't distinguish which patients are hospitalized due to Covid-19 illness and which ones simply tested positive while being treated for an unrelated condition.  

There are just under 1,500 hospitalized patients in Illinois who have also tested positive for Covid, roughly one-fifth the number during the last significant surge in January.  There have been fewer than 500 patients with Covid in Illinois hospitals during valleys of the pandemic.  Just 6% of intensive care beds in Illinois are occupied by Covid-19 patients.

State health officials continue to defend their broad definition of a "Covid patient" even if it doesn't provide the most accurate picture of the number of people who are seriously sick as a direct result of the virus. "Since someone admitted to the hospital with COVID (even if not for COVID) requires isolation and use of PPE by hospital staff, it adds to the hospital's pandemic load," IDPH's Claffey said.  "That is why we consider it to be a worthwhile measure of hospital strain."

Chicago public health director Dr. Allison Arwady said hospital capacity remains a key factor in her decision making.  "I feel strongly that you can't just kind of cry wold all the time," Dr. Arwady told the New York Times.  "I want to save the requirements around masks or updating vaccine for when there's a significant change," she said.

Unvaccinated still at highest risk

At Rush University Medical Center's main hospital downtown, 18 patients were hospitalized with Covid-19 as of Friday.  "For months the people needing to be hospitalized have either been unvaccinated or have an underlying condition," said Rush spokesman Charlie Jolie.

Only 30 of the 809 beds at NorthShore University Health System's four legacy hospitals are occupied by Covid patients and only one of them is in intensive care, according to a spokesperson.

Deaths remain flat

Another sign the latest virus variant may pose less of a threat is that despite its high transmission level, the number of Covid-related deaths in Illinois has remained relatively flat.  On average, fewer than 10 people are dying each day in Illinois... a steep decline from the winter surge when the average reached 130 deaths per day.

Vaccine, booster interest waning:

Despite the proven protection offered by vaccines and booster shots, just 65% of Illinois' population is fully vaccinated and only a little more than half of that population has received a booster, according to IDPH data.

Previous infection also provides some level of protection.

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Can at-home COVID tests detect BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants?

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 08:41 AM PDT

Dr. Kevin Most, Chief Medical Officer at Northwestern Medicine's Central DuPage Hospital, joins Bob Sirott every Monday morning following the 6:30am newscast. Dr. Most discussed mixing COVID boosters, when the current booster could be available for everyone, and how some doctors treat long COVID. He also talked about who is most likely to get multiple COVID infections and how at-home tests work with the current dominant variants.

Northerly Island looking to move concert pavilion

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 08:44 AM PDT

Executive Director of Friends of the Parks, Juanita Irizarry, joins Bob Sirott to talk about what changes the organization wants to implement for the museum campus and why they are considering removing the concert pavilion at Northerly Island. She also discussed why they turned down George Lucas' Star Wars museum and what could happen to Soldier Field if the Bears leave.

College student from Gurnee invents edible tape

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 09:33 AM PDT

After graduating from Warren Township High School in Gurnee, Illinois, four years ago, Rachel Nie began her studies in chemical and molecular bio-engineering at Johns Hopkins in Maryland. At the beginning of the fall semester last year, Rachel and three lab partners, Erin Walsh, Tyler Guarino and Marie Eric, chose as their senior project: edible tape. Essentially, how to keep those giant burritos from falling apart as you're eating them. Rachel talks with WGN's Steve Alexander about how the idea for Tastee Tape originated, how it evolved, and what's next. (Hint: a patent and potential big money via licensing.)

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDI, 7.18.22

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 12:47 PM PDT

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!

VP of Lending for Team Hochberg | 'There is nothing to be nervous about with a reverse mortgage'

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 12:00 PM PDT

The Vice President of Lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial and host of Home Sweet Home Chicago on WGN Radio every Saturday from 10am-1pm, David Hochberg, answers your questions. Tune in while David breaks down what a reverse mortgage is, when you should get one and how it will help your pocketbook in the long run. To learn more about Team Hochberg and what they can do for you go to 56david.com or call them at 1-855-56-DAVID, that's 1-855-563-2843.

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Wintrust Business Minute: Old Navy is closing its store on State Street

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 09:56 AM PDT

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

Old Navy is closing its store on State Street. Crain's reports the retailer has decided not to renew its lease at State and Randolph. Brokers have already started marketing the 32,000-square-foot space to other retailers.

Also, OSF HealthCare, an Illinois-based Catholic hospital system, will only cover fertility treatment for its workers in opposite-sex marriages. Listen for more below:

Fauci to retire before the end of Biden's term

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 08:21 AM PDT

(The Hill) -- Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, said in an interview published on Monday that he plans to retire by the end of Biden's term in office.

"We're in a pattern now. If somebody says, 'You'll leave when we don't have Covid anymore,' then I will be 105," Fauci told Politico. "I think we're going to be living with this."

Fauci said the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), where he is the director, had "the best people in the country" to carry out his vision.

And he said the possibility of more attacks coming his way Republicans take control of Congress was not a factor in his decision.

When asked about the possibility of quitting during an interview last year, Fauci said he would "unequivocally" not quit in response to criticisms of him.

"So because there are a lot of people who have ideas about conspiracies and changing minds and flip-flopping, that's not a reason to step down. Not at all," he said.

The Brooklyn-born immunologist has served as director of the NIAID since 1984, most notably working on HIV/AIDS research before becoming a leading health authority during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both praise and derision from the public and lawmakers.

Fauci has advised seven presidents on public health issues. His working relationship with former President Trump was famously fraught during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Fauci often had to counter unfounded claims made by the president.

Fauci told Politico he and Trump developed "an interesting relationship."

"Two guys from New York, different in their opinions and their ideology, but still, two guys who grew up in the same environments of this city. I think that we are related to each other in that regard," he said.

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Dried blueberries 'urgently' recalled nationwide over lead concerns

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 08:04 AM PDT

INDIANAPOLIS (WXIN) -- The Food and Drug Administration has issued an urgent recall alert for dried blueberries after high levels of lead were detected.

The FDA said the recall announced by BrandStorm Inc. involves Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries, which were sold in the United States through retail and online stores.

A lab in Maryland identified the concern after testing uncovered the presence or potential presence of lead over the FDA's recommended limits.

The FDA said an investigation was conducted by the packing site, and the original heavy metal reports for the crop year showed no presence of lead.

"After further investigation it was found that the products county of Origin is Lithuania and aggressive monitoring of heavy metals may be deemed necessary," the FDA stated. "As an immediate action the packing site is actively working to enhance food safety system by implementing mandatory batch testing for heavy metal."

The FDA said the issue is isolated to two batches of blueberries with a Best By Date 12/2024 and 01/2025. The lot codes are as follows:

  • Lot 2021363-1, Best By Date: 12/2024
    • 1 serving, 1.2oz (34g), UPC 812907011160
  • Lot 2022026-1, Best By Date: 01/2025
    • 1 serving, 1.2oz (34g), UPC 812907011160

The product is sold in white and blue pouches with Natierra brand and logo. They can be identified by checking the product name, manufacturer details and lot number on the bottom right of the pouch.

(Credit: BrandStorm Inc. via FDA)

While BrandStorm has not received any reports of adverse effects related to the recall, the company is working to enhance the food safety system by implementing mandatory batch testing for heavy metals.

The FDA says lead occurs naturally and may be contracted in fruits and vegetables during cultivation.

"Lead is a toxic substance present in our environment in small amounts and everyone is exposed to some lead from daily actions such as inhaling dust, eating food, or drinking water," the agency said.

However, exposure to larger amounts of the element can cause lead poisoning, with its effects dependent upon the amount and duration of exposure and the exposed person's age.

Though people with high lead levels in their blood may show no symptoms, they could suffer damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Symptoms of acute lead poisoning may include abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output, according to the FDA, which added that children are particularly vulnerable.

"If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system can occur," the FDA said. "This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems."

Anyone with the recalled product should throw it out. Refunds are available at the location of purchase. Anyone who bought the product online can email salesadmin@BrandStormInc.com to request a refund.

Anyone with questions about the recall can call 310-559-0259, 8 am – 4:30 pm PST, email salesadmin@BrandStormInc.com or send a direct message using the www.Natierra.com website.

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Should Chicago's restaurants close earlier to cut down on crime?

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 08:44 AM PDT

CEO and President of The Chicago Loop Alliance, Michael Edwards, joins Bob Sirott to explain what his organization does, Chicago's most prominent tourism issue, and what businesses are doing to combat crime. He also talked about the increased number of pedestrians in the Loop and why food establishments are closing earlier.