ICU beds: Possible worst-case scenario

Northwestern University researchers recently projected an enormous increase in ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients if Illinois residents do not act to slow the virus's spread. (The model was released last week and doesn't take the most recent data into account.) The Tribune then took the median projection and added an estimated number of ICU patients who don't have COVID-19. Together, these predictions suggest capacity could be reached by early December.

Chart: Chicago Tribune dataviz team Source: Tribune analysis of IDPH bed data for non-COVID-19 ICU patients and Northwestern University projection of COVID-19 ICU patients, based on worst-case scenario of Illinoisans not changing behavior. Median of Northwestern projection is used. Projections also carry ranges of probability not included in this chart. Potential 70% reduction from fall peak based on similar reduction seen in spring. Get the data