Deaths plummet in Illinois’ long-term care facilities as vaccinations ramp up 

Despite an initially slow vaccine rollout, the deadliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic for Illinois’ long-term care facilities may be over, according to data maintained by the state.  

Last week, Illinois’ roughly 1,400 long-term care facilities, which include nursing homes, veterans’ homes, assisted living centers, retirement communities and skilled-nursing facilities, recorded 59 deaths, the lowest weekly total in months.