ROCKFORD (WREX) – Due to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, new restrictions come into effect from today (Saturday Oct 3) in the Rockford area Region 1, which includes Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Lee counties, saw its 7-day positivity rate at 8% or higher for three consecutive days (seven 25-27), forcing the state to implement new mitigation efforts to help slow the spread of the virus Here is a look at the changes that will take effect today:
State health officials will continue to monitor the region’s positivity rate for the virus to determine if the mitigations can be relaxed, if additional mitigations are needed, or if current mitigation measures should. stay in place If the positivity rate is on average 65% or less for three consecutive days, then regions 1 will revert to phase 4 mitigations as part of the Restore Illinois plan.The positivity rate for region 1 was 87% in September 29, according to the latest IDPH report
If the positivity rate is on average between 65% and 8%, the new mitigation measures will remain in place and unchanged.If the positivity rate is on average greater than or equal to 8% after 14 days, measures of Stricter mitigation can be applied to further reduce the spread of the virus Some are advocating that bars and restaurants stay open in the area and one bar in Oregon has already announced plans to challenge orders.
Andy Carrigan is the & Digital Content Manager for Social Media at WREX He joined Team 13 WREX as a photographer in 2016 after graduating from Northern Illinois University He has also served as an Assignment Producer and Writer at the station
Don’t keep the umbrellas too far this weekend, but warmer highs are climbing for the next work week…
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Global News – United States – New COVID-19 restrictions begin today in Rockford area, here’s what’s changing