Report: COVID-19 pandemic worsened opioid epidemic in rural Illinois Nov 29, 2021 | coronavirus, Opioids, Population Health, Top Stories COVID-19 has worsened the impact of the opioid epidemic in rural Illinois, according to a recent report by several state universities.To access this content, you must purchase 1 Year Health News Illinois Subscription or 1 Year Group Subscription - Up to 5 Users, or log in if you are a member.