Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., wife Jaqueline hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and his wife Jacqueline are both hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19.
According to a statement authorized by their son Jonathan Jackson on Saturday, the couple is currently at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
"Doctors are currently monitoring the condition of both. Anyone who has been around either of them for the last five or six days should follow the CDC guidelines," the statement said.
"There are no further updates at this time. We will provide updates as they become available." the statement went on to say.
Jackson Sr., 79, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in November of 2017.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Congressman Bobby Rush tweet out well wishes and prayers for the Jacksons.
Mrs. Jackson is 77-years-old.
The reverend was fully vaccinated back in January at Roseland Community Hospital.
According to the CDC, the risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age.
Dr. Zachary Rubin with Oak Brook Allergists said the vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe disease.
"I think the outcomes could have been much more severe if he was unvaccinated," said Rubin.
Doctors across Illinois are concerned about a rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations.
At the start of August, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health reported there were 977 patients state hospitals but now that number has more than doubled.
Statewide, just 18 percent of ICU beds are available.
"It is almost as contagious as chickenpox. So we have to get as many people vaccinated to reduce transmission," said Rubin.
Please note: The video at the top of this player is from a previous report
