Respiratory illnesses on rise
The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced that the state’s overall respiratory illness level has moved up from Low to Moderate, meaning that Illinoisans face an increased chance of exposure to seasonal illnesses during family gatherings.
Officials said hospital admissions for COVID-19, flu and RSV have been increasing. The percentage of emergency department visits due to respiratory illness are on the rise.
The state is also continuing to see a rise in ICU admissions due to RSV, driven by children up to 4 years old.
No permit fees for vets with disabilities
Beginning Jan. 1, veterans meeting certain conditions won’t be charged a building permit fee for improvements on their home.
The measure prevents a veteran with a disability or their caregiver from being charged a building permit fee for improvements to the residence that are required to accommodate the veteran’s disability. Local governments would make the determination of proof.
Changing stations required
You may see some new facilities at rest stops across the state.
Beginning Jan. 1, legislation goes into effect requiring every rest stop along the interstate highway, and the Illinois Capitol building in Springfield, to install and maintain at least one adult changing station.
The measure is among nearly 300 going into effect in the new year.
