Health officials report 1,337 new COVID-19 cases, 30 deaths

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Department of Public Health on Wednesday announced 1,337 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 30 deaths as the state's positivity rate shows a dramatic drop.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Illinois now stands at 253,690 and the death toll has reached 8,214 since the start of the pandemic, according to health officials.

The COVID-19 cases confirmed Wednesday was among 48,029 coronavirus tests submitted to the health department, bringing the seven-day positivity rate in the state to 3.7%. It is the first time that indicator of transmission has dipped below 4% since the end of July. However, the death toll was the highest number of reported fatalities in a week.

Speaking Wednesday at Illinois State University, Gov. J.B. Pritzker emphasized COVID-19 isn't going away. He again encouraged state residents to ``wear your mask, keep distance, make sure you're adhering to the capacity limits.'Å¥