Metro-East Region to Receive Same Restrictions as Kankakee, Will Counties:  Governor Pritzker announced yesterday that additional COVID-19 mitigation measures will be implemented in the St. Louis Metro East area of the state (Region 4) effective today, September 2.  These increased efforts will mirror what was placed on Kankakee and Will County (Region 7) last week.   

As you may recall, other mitigation efforts were employed for the Metro-East area a few weeks ago. However, Region 4’s positivity rate has only increased following initial mitigation measures and is now reporting a current 7-day rolling test positivity average of 9.6%.

You can see where the various regions are at in terms of their positivity rates, hospitalizations and other metrics at this link.  For Regions 4 and 7, these mitigation measures will supersede the revamped Restore Illinois Phase 4 guidelines. 

In addition to face covering, social distancing, and hand washing requirements, for Regions 4 and 7 these mitigation efforts include the following measures which will remain in effect over a 14-day period after which, more stringent mitigation measures will be implemented if the region’s positivity rate does not improve.

For bars:

• All bars close at 11:00pm
• No indoor service
• All bar patrons should be seated at tables outside
• No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed)
• Tables should be 6 feet apart
• No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
• No dancing or standing indoors
• Reservations required for each party
• No seating of multiple parties at one table

For restaurants:

• All restaurants close at 11:00pm
• No indoor dining or bar service
• Tables should be 6 feet apart
• No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
• Reservations required for each party
• No seating of multiple parties at one table

For meetings, social events and gatherings:

• Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25% of overall room capacity
• No party buses
• Gaming and Casinos close at 11:00pm, are limited to 25 percent capacity, and follow mitigations for bars and restaurants

It should be noted, however, these increased mitigation efforts will not include classrooms where applicable.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will track the positivity rate in Regions 4 and 7 to determine if mitigations can be relaxed, if additional mitigations are required, or if current mitigation should remain in place. If the positivity rate averages less than or equal to 6.5 percent over a 14-day period, the region will return to Phase 4.  If the positivity rate averages between 6.5 percent and 8 percent, IDPH will continue to monitor the region to determine if additional mitigations are needed. If the positivity rate averages greater than or equal to 8 percent after 14 days, more stringent mitigations will be applied to further reduce spread of the virus, which can include the closure of indoor bars and dining.

A full list of mitigation measures pertaining to some businesses and industries may also be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website at DCEO COVID-19 resources

Updated Specific State Information on COVID-19 Orders:  As usual, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) this week has again updated their comprehensive chart detailing state specific orders, re-opening plans, and other restrictions as well as executive orders and legislation relating to business liability.  This chart is attached to this Update.  These figures will be updated and reported here at least once a week.

Update on COVID-19 Cases: IDPH is reporting 238,643 positive cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, an average increase of 1,832 new cases per day since reported here 5 days ago on August 28.  In total, 4,119,879 tests have now been conducted in Illinois for the virus, an average increase of 39,114 tests per day since August 28.  The state’s average positivity rate over all 11 regions for the last 5 days is at 4.6%.  Again, you can see where the various regions are at in terms of their positivity rates, hospitalizations and other metrics at this link.     

Unfortunately, IDPH is reporting a total of 8,091 deaths, an average increase of 19 per day since August 25.

You can also check where these cases are occurring at the State of Illinois COVID-19 website which also contains more information on this outbreak.

Also, IDPH has a case breakdown of the number of positive cases in Chicago and each county relative to the number of fatalities.  The IDPH website also now includes a breakdown of the cases under each zip code in the state.

For information on other states and countries, John Hopkins University has developed this website that provides invaluable resources at a one-stop location detailing testing and tracing trends, timelines of COVID-19 policies, and interactive maps.

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