ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli shared his recent encounter with coronavirus in a statement Monday at the Winnebago County Health Department press conference. The chairman disclosed a positive COVID-19 test from Nov. 3.

Health experts consider this a breakthrough case, as the chairman was fully vaccinated.

“There’s a reason he felt comfortable and compelled to provide a statement today,” Mayor Tom McNamara said. “Please, take his words to heart. Be vigilant.”