Amid rise in Covid-19 cases, CDC releases updated guidelines for respiratory illnesses

This summer has seen a spike in cases of Covid-19 across the state of Minnesota. Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) Public Health Supervisor Grace Grinager said that jumps in cases have not been easy to predict. She told WTIP that there are any number of factors that could contribute, but that, if nothing else, the corona virus mutates quickly.

While this spike may not have been expected, it also comes at the same time as updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for respiratory viruses. The guidance applies to Covid-19 in addition to other respiratory viruses like the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with Public Health Supervisor Grace Grinager about the updated guidance, and what people in Cook County should be aware of to avoid illness. Audio of that interview is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski August 3, 2024