The Quad-Cities has rocketed up to SIXTH among the top 10 worst covid outbreak spots in the nation, according to data from the CDC, the New York Times reported today. According to the data, the Illinois/Iowa Quad-Cities is now inside the top ten most rapidly spiking hot spots nationwide for a second week in a row, roaring from number 13 to number 7 to number 6 in just two weeks. The rising number of Quad-Cities covid-19 cases have put it consistently among in the top 10 worst covid hot spots in the United States over the past month, with other Iowa communities in the top 10. Iowa continues to be... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds just announced sweeping new rules to mitigate the spread of covid-19 in Iowa taking place at midnight which will impact all state bars and gathering places, eliminate all sporting events under high school age, and severely limit the number of people able to gather together. In a press conference shortly after 6 p.m. tonight, Reynolds said that starting at midnight tonight, the following mitigation rules will be in effect: When in an indoor public space and unable to socially distance, masks are required to be worn by all, and masks will be required to be... Read More

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sounded a somber and sometimes irritated note during his daily press conference on covid-19 today, warning “we’re in for a very difficult few months” and saying we might very soon get to a point where he has “no other choice than to have a mandatory shutdown.” “What will it take to make this real for you?” Pritzker said. “Do we have to reach a positivity rate of 50 percent like we’re seeing in Iowa today? Are you waiting for your health care workers to get sick to a point where you don’t have enough staff in the local... Read More

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, has tested positive for coronavirus, she posted Monday on Twitter. “I am experiencing mild symptoms, but still feel well. I have been in contact with my medical provider and, per CDC guidance, am self-isolating,” she tweeted. “Consistent with medical advice, I will be working remotely from my home in Illinois until cleared by my physician,” Bustos, 59, wrote. “All individuals that I had been in contact with have been notified. Across the country and the Congressional District I serve, COVID case numbers are skyrocketing.” “We must all continue to... Read More

A new shutdown and restrictions could be coming this week as covid numbers continued to skyrocket in the Illinois and Iowa Quad-Cities and their respective regions and states over the weekend. The Illinois Quad-Cities’ region’s positive testing number roared to almost 15 percent (at 14.6), as all regions in the state moved over the 12 percent positivity rate, triggering numbers Governor JB Pritzker said could lead to a lockdown, especially with the Thanksgiving holiday looming. On Nov. 15, the Rock Island County Health Department reported 104 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number... Read More

Although the COVID-19 situation remains critical, UnityPoint Health – Trinity wants to remind everyone they should not delay seeking necessary care. Safety remains the top priority for UnityPoint Health – Trinity and, at this time, they continue to accept patients. “We know this is a trying time in our fight against COVID-19, but our community must know that getting the care they need is also essential,” said Dr. David Williams, UnityPoint Health Chief Clinical Officer. “Please, do not delay care if you need it. Emergencies don’t wait. We’re here, safe and ready for you.” If you... Read More

Ian Hutto is struggling to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, both at work and home. The 35-year-old native of Chicagoland is an ICU nurse at UnityPoint Health – Trinity in Rock Island. His wife, Annette, owns Cool Beanz Coffeehouse at 30th Street and 14th Avenue, Rock Island, and they’re raising their nine-month-old daughter, Lydia, while Ian also is studying for his master’s in nursing from University of Illinois-Chicago. “It has been a stress like I’ve never felt in my life,” Ian said recently. “In a good and very bad way at the same time. It’s overwhelming; I am the type of person... Read More

In an effort to reduce COVID-19 pressures on medical center resources, Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health – Trinity will temporarily reduce elective surgeries and procedures starting Monday, Nov. 16. This decision is made in collaboration with Iowa’s Region 5 hospitals and physician leadership of the Quad-Cities health systems. The reduction of elective surgeries will continue through Nov. 20, when the change will be reassessed. Reducing elective surgical procedures requiring inpatient stays will allow the health systems to expand bed capacity and reallocate patient care staff... Read More

The Quad-Cities has exploded into the top 10 worst covid outbreak spots in the nation, according to data from the CDC, the New York Times reported today. According to the data, the Illinois/Iowa Quad-Cities is now inside the top ten most rapidly spiking hot spots nationwide, roaring from number 13 to number 7 in just two days. Illinois and Iowa hold 12 of the top 15 spots in the country, with Cedar Rapids holding at number one. In his media address yesterday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said that the rapidly spiking numbers statewide — with numbers in some regions doubling daily — could... Read More

UPDATED — The Illinois Quad-Cities could see another mandatory stay-at-home order as soon as next week if numbers in our region continue to soar. The Quad-Cities has exploded in its number of cases and is now inside the top ten most rapidly spiking hot spots nationwide, sitting at number 7 today, according to CDC numbers. In his media address today, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said that the rapidly spiking numbers statewide — with numbers in some regions doubling daily — could lead to another statewide mandatory stay-at-home order similar to the one imposed in the spring,... Read More