The State published dataset is not keeping up with the new relevant data on vaccine efficacy, variants (we need graphs and superimposed graphs on the 2020 variant of the new variants), and reinfections. 

1. Variants:

Introduction: UK's B.1.1.7 COVID-19 Variant was officially found in the State of Illinois on January 15. However, we need more information about this emergent variant. We are grateful for the new variant page on the IDHP web site. We applaud that it is ahead of the CDC on reporting variants by 1 week. However, we need to see more data to better understand the problem. 

Unlike PCR testing which is now accessible and wide-spread in Illinois, thanks to your momentous and terrific effort (though more can be done: rapid tests available for free to .orgs and .edu for surveillance testing; better solutions for people with HMO who many providers won't test, continuing to crack down on charging for testing), variant testing is dependent on sequencing. We, the people of Illinois, deserve to know:

a. # sequencing labs available in IL and additionally by the fed

b. # of sequence tests current capacity per day +actual tests performed/submitted

c. How stale is the data/from the day the sample is taken to the day the sample is sequenced

d. Same dataset as current COVID-19 data posted: #new/current cases, hospitalizations, deaths, ICU/Ventilator

e. %total COVID-19 tests sequenced in IL

f. Update phased reopening plans with variant metrics. 

g. Despite the current phase IV measures the doubling rate for B.1.1.7 is 2 weeks within 1.5 months of arrival in the state. this is not that much different than what happened 1 year ago, when we didn't have social distancing and masking in place. Help us all understand the big picture by sharing better data, please.

2. Vaccine efficacy: local metrics are important as local variants circulating are important.

a. Please consider adding a Red Cap field for vaccine administered breakthrough infection. Include vaccine version field. 

b. Please share the metrics daily of breakthrough infections per vaccine manufacturer. 

c. What % of hospitalization, ICU/ventilators, total cases, and deaths are breakthrough infections?

d. #samples in IL available as stored that could be sequenced to analyze for breakthrough.

e. Update phased reopening plans with vaccination efficacy metrics - if x% of the population received vaccine y and vaccine y is no longer found 50% protective variant z, the impact on reopening, vaccination exclusion policy, will be?

3. Reinfections: local metrics are important as local variants circulating are important.

a. Please consider adding a Red Cap field for reinfection, using state-based tracking instead of the too narrow guideline used by the CDC that requires sequencing of the first and second sample in a lab. How about we informally track 2+ infections confirmed with PCR test with at least 2 weeks and a negative PCR in between?

b. How many samples have been considered for re-infection in IL, data shared weekly. Of those, what are considered reinfections?

c. What % of hospitalization, ICU/ventilators, total cases, and deaths are reinfections?

d. #samples in IL available as stored that could be sequenced to analyze for reinfection.

f. Update phased reopening plans with reinfection metrics. 

That's all! Thanks in advance!