Rethink the numbers

Every day the newspaper plasters the state's total number of COVID-19 cases across the front page. Every day that number becomes more meaningless.

As we focus on reopening parts of the state, let's break down what's actually happening a little closer. We know that mild cases of the disease last around two weeks and more critical cases last 3-6 weeks. Many of those who contracted the disease in March or early April are likely nearing the end of its grip.

I understand that an official number of recoveries is hard to come by, especially when we can barely do the testing to identify those with an official diagnosis to begin with. But what if we started looking at hospital admissions and discharges a little closer? What if we looked at the total number who contracted this in March vs. April vs. May?

As elements of our previous lives become possible again, it's important to understand the current situation and risk factors. The total number of cases no longer gives us an accurate picture of what life outside the front door currently looks like. It only suggests how bad it's been.

We're now hovering around the six-figure mark for total cases in Illinois. But only a fraction of that number is currently infected. We'd do well to remember that.

Matt Brennan

Sugar Grove