Chicago and Cook County edge closer to high risk

Evanston and nearby Kenosha County in Wisconsin moved into the high-risk COVID-19 category over the weekend, meaning cases and their strain on the healthcare system have risen to more dangerous levels.

Why it matters: Cook County — now at medium risk, with indoor masks recommended — is also moving closer to high risk.

• "If we got to high [risk], we would be probably putting those mask mandates back on," health commissioner Allison Arwady said during her most recent briefing.

Between the lines: While average daily cases reached 1,050 last Friday, other COVID metrics remain relatively low, with 19 hospitalizations and less than one death per day.

Yes, but: Cases are likely much higher than numbers show because CDPH still doesn't count home tests.

• And with the new, more contagious BA.2.12.1 growing, Arwady says she expects "to see a rise in cases for the next few weeks."

Get smart: The commissioner urges folks to move gatherings outside to "cut the risk of infection."