CHICAGO, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health announce COVID-19 resurgence mitigations will be implemented in Region 2.
The mitigations will begin Wednesday in the region including Rock Island, Henry, Bureau, Putnam, Kendall, Grundy, Mercer, Knox, Henderson, Warren, McDonough, Fulton, Stark, Marshall, Peoria, Tazwell, McLean, Woodford, Livingston and Lasalle counties.
“Region 2 has now sustained an average positivity rate of 8 percent or higher for three consecutive days, meaning that now every region in Illinois will soon be operating under resurgence mitigations,” said Governor Pritzker in a statement. “I know that the vast majority of people in this state want to keep themselves safe, their families and children safe, their parents and neighbors and friends. I have always maintained enormous faith in the people of Illinois to do what’s right for each other. As cases, hospitalizations and deaths are rising across our state, across the Midwest and across the nation, we have to act responsibly and collectively to protect the people we love.”
Region 2 is the last region to implement mitigation measures. The region has seen a seven-day positivity rate of eight percent or above for three consecutive days.
Mitigation measures include no indoor service in bars or restaurants, outdoor services closing at 11:00 p.m., and reservation requirements. Additionally, multiple parties can not be seated at one table.
Gatherings are limited to 25 guests or 25% of overall room capacity.
“The mitigation measures soon to be implemented across the entire state of Illinois have been established to protect your health and the health of those around you,” stated IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “These mitigation measures are not meant as a punishment, but as a way to help all of us co-exist with COVID-19 more safely.”