The average number of new cases of COVID-19 continues to increase across Illinois. The state averaged 294 new cases daily in early July but the average more than doubled to 636 new cases daily as of last Friday. Lawrence County cases of the disease are also on the rise. Lite 103 talked with Lawrence County Health Department Administrator Amy Marley Wednesday and she indicated that after having only 10 total cases locally in June, there have been 13 cases this week alone. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, only 31% of the total population of Lawrence County has been vaccinated. The LCHD continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations daily without appointment. Cases also continue to rise in Knox County Indiana as well as other areas of the Hoosier state.