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Pritzker: Will, Kankakee, DuPage and Kane counties heading for mitigation on Friday

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* Those four counties make up two IDPH regions. A positivity rate of 8 percent or higher for three days straight is one way for regions to be put into mitigation.

Pritzker said of the 7 regions that currently are not under mitigation, five have a rolling average positivity rate at or above 7 percent, while two are at 6.5 percent.

Click here to watch the governor’s daily press conference.

…Adding… In case you need the reminder, here are the Tier One mitigations…

Bars and restaurants
• All bars and restaurants close at 11pm and may reopen no earlier than 6am the following day
• No indoor service
• All bar and restaurant 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

Meetings, social events and gatherings (including weddings, funerals, potlucks, etc.)

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

Nothing changes with schools, which set their own rules under broad state guidelines.

…Adding… Press release…

Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are announcing COVID-19 resurgence mitigations will be implemented in Region 7 (Will and Kankakee counties) and Region 8 (Kane and DuPage counties), beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020. Both regions are seeing a 7-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8 percent or above for three consecutive days, which exceeds the threshold set for establishing mitigation measures under the state’s Restore Illinois Resurgence Plan.

The administration continues to distribute emergency relief for small businesses and communities impacted by the ongoing pandemic. In Regions 7 and 8, approximately $14 million has already been awarded for small businesses and community aid. Businesses in both regions, as well as other regions currently under additional mitigations, will receive priority consideration for the current round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG), with $220 million available to help offset costs and losses businesses have incurred as a result of the pandemic.

“By the end of this week, four regions will all be operating under the standard resurgence mitigations – that includes no indoor dining or indoor bar service and limiting in-person gatherings to no more than 25 individuals,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As colder weather approaches and flu season is upon us, we’re going to see the rippling effects of these current unfortunate trends. The massive surge of cases in our neighboring states will continue to have a spillover effect. There is no easy fix for the effects of this virus on our economy and our public health. But we can and will manage through this. We’re Midwestern tough here in Illinois. We know how to deal with a crisis. And we know how to take care of each other.”

“We have seen regions move into mitigation measures, but also move back out,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Working together we can bring down the number of new cases and hospitalizations. Increases are being seen not only across Illinois, but across the country, and in many other countries around the world. Until there is a safe and effective vaccine and a significant proportion of the population has received it, we must all stay the course. What you do in your community affects those around you, so please, do your part and help slow the spread.”

“The actions we take today to slow the spread of this virus will define what happens in the coming days, weeks and months,” said Dr. Justin Macariola-Coad, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Advocate Sherman Hospital. “Wearing a mask, washing your hands, and keeping your distance from others will prevent the spread of this illness and save lives. The more we ignore taking these basic steps, the more people will get sick and the harder it will be on the health care system and our brave frontline clinical workers to keep up with the pandemic this winter and help care for our communities across the Northwest suburbs.”

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 2:37 pm

Comments

I’m hearing Region 3 which includes Spfld may be rolling back to Phase 3 in the upcoming weeks as well. How does this impact in-person learning for schools? Do they move to remote learning or is it up to the local school boards to decide that?

Comment by Cardsfan Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 2:48 pm
And schools?

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 2:48 pm
All those suburban counties that argued they shouldn’t be in the same region as Chicago — how is that working out for you now?

Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 2:58 pm
School districts are still being allowed to make their own call regarding instruction. Some, like mine, have made staying open the primary goal. It’s very disheartening.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:00 pm
Was it just me or are these reporters’ questions getting dumber and dumber by the day? Or did everyone come from Channel 20 today?

Comment by Chatham Resident Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:07 pm
DuPage County officials yesterday recommended that all schools close and go back to remote learning. But ultimately, that is a decision for each school district to make.

Comment by Smalls Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:07 pm
I have seen that the mitigations work, I have no question about that. I have questions about how they work? Is it that restaurants and bars (especially late bars and restaurants) are primary drivers of the virus or is it that having your area come under mitigation gets in your newspapers and on your radio and so you begin to pay attention again and watch your behavior?

Comment by cermak_rd Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:07 pm
Schools should be open, so say the doctors, but you know, only JB’s doctors know real science…

Comment by Ope Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:14 pm
Get yourself some good masks and wear them. It isn’t that hard. I wish there was more of a focus on getting quality masks out to those that can’t buy them.

Comment by SSL Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:19 pm
=Schools should be open, so say the doctors…=

The doctors at the DuPage County Health Department recommend that schools should be 100% remote.

Comment by Graybeard Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:22 pm
=The doctors at the DuPage County Health Department recommend that schools should be 100% remote.=

Lake County is saying the same. And notably its not because they don’t believe that schools are unsafe, but that community transmissions rates are too high. The “keep the schools open” advocates always neglect the role that kids play in transmission even if they aren’t as susceptible to the disease and its effects.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:28 pm
Schools are not part of mitigation plans and never have been.

https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-mitigation-plan

Comment by Google Is Your Friend Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:47 pm
Can I still go to feed my horses in Wisconsin, visit my Florida vacation home, or attend my daughter’s out-of-state equestrian competition?

Asking for a friend.

Comment by Herman Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:50 pm
Herman, yes you can just the same as any of us.

Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:55 pm
Mainly affecting bars and restaurants. However, casinos are still open because?

Comment by Down South Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 3:59 pm
A few years back there was a story circulating about an experiment where a marshmallow was presented to a child. The child was then told they could eat the marshmallow now, or wait 30 minutes and get an additional marshmallow or pretzel, when they could then eat both.

Follow up studies have shown that the children who waited - delayed gratification - had a better life outcome over the following years.

The lack of an ability to delay gratification is at the root of this problem. Instead of waiting the 6-8 weeks it would take to be able to go back to normal, there are just too many people who want the instant gratification of doing something now that they could easily wait a few weeks to do.

As a country, we are clearly too emotionally immature to deal with the realities of the larger world.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:00 pm
Can you still vote in person?

What if hundreds of people are in line?

Comment by Poll watcher Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:11 pm
=And schools?=

For those questioning whether schools can stay open I offer this: Current research data indicates that school based spread is not happening. Due to the significant mitigation factors in place in schools (mask, distancing, disinfecting protocols) schools are not the source of spread.

Yes, our students and employees are having to isolate or quarantine because they have come on contact with COVID outside of school. Due to the previously mentioned mitigation factors we, like the overwhelming majority of schools are not experiencing spread in schools.

If schools cannot employ mitigation protocols with fidelity they should remain remote or hybrid. No question or argument there.

Kids are the easy part of our day. Students generally do as we ask, our masking requirement has was met with overwhelming compliance. No matter what their parents position is on social media the kids are complying.

The adults, especially irrational parents watching too much cable news or spending too much time on facebook, on the other hand are our biggest challenge. And it has always been that way.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:13 pm
TheInvisibleMan knocks it out of the park with those comments. That is the common denominator with all of the ‘open everything now’ crowd. Very perceptive sir.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:20 pm
=Current research data indicates that school based spread is not happening.=

I have an elementary student and would agree with this assessment. He’s been back two months and there has yet to be a positive test.

What I am concerned about is how these high community transmission rates will now impact things going forward. It seems inevitable that students will start testing positive and even though school transmission is being mitigated classes/cohorts will have to quarantine due to the potential exposure.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:21 pm
== =Schools should be open, so say the doctors…=

==The doctors at the DuPage County Health Department recommend that schools should be 100% remote.==

Well yeah, but none of those doctors have been featured on fox news. Don’t you know that’s what really matters to people who can’t spell “Opie” correctly?

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:22 pm
I would imagine trick or treating not going to happen

Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:24 pm
==I would imagine trick or treating not going to happen==

I agree. Possibly an Executive Order coming soon banning trick-or-treating statewide this year due to COVID.

Comment by Chatham Resident Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:25 pm
=An 8 week shutdown will only delay the inevitable, and when we reopen it will spread like wildfire, again.=

Austrailia has reported 905 Covid deaths, South Korea 447, Vietnam 35, Taiwan 7. Many more countries with similar numbers. Not exactly spreading like wildfire. As a reminder we’re at 220K and climbing. I thought we were supposed to be the exceptional ones?

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:37 pm
TheInvisibleMan for the win today. 100% spot on. Like Veruca Salt said in Willy Wonka…”But I want it NOW!”

Comment by Just a guy Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:38 pm
I would much rather keep my family safe, and your family safe, then worry if I’m able to go out to a bar or restaurant, or if I’m able to gamble. For God’s sake people, don’t criticize the Governor, he didn’t make this happen, but he’s doing a fine job trying to help us all STAY ALIVE!

Comment by Sal Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:38 pm
My Rotary Club has found a “work around” , wine/bourbon tasting at a private residence (sigh). Drinking wine, tasting mystery bourbons, laughing and talking with friends in a lovely home, unmasked and free - superspreader details to be announced. Mitigation in our county starts Friday. LOve my Rotary Club, won’t be back in person until it’s safe.

Comment by Froganon Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 4:43 pm
Herman - As long as none of those activities involve you mixing with the general public, go right ahead. However, if those activities involve you sharing the same air as others, then you may not. I hope that clears things up for you.

Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 5:03 pm
I picked up dinner from a local restaurant on Saturday, I’m in Will County, and some of these restaurants only have themselves to blame. Place was packed, bar and tables, and no masks on hardly any of the customers.

Comment by MrX Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 5:26 pm
ban indoor dining in restaurants but not casinos nor Marijuana outlets. It’s a joke.

Comment by Plano Not Oswego Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 5:53 pm
=nor Marijuana outlets.=

Using that logic we’d close liquor stores as well. These aren’t places where you have large groups in close proximity to one another unmasked.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 6:00 pm
I’ve been expecting DuPage to pop eventually.

Too many anti-maskers.

Especially in Wheaton.

Comment by Morty Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 7:03 pm
Lake County will be next with strengthened mitigation, including schools going full remote. It might be easier to manage the elementary students, but high school students are much more challenging to keep housed after school. Yes, schools are safe and have done a great job ensuring a safe environment, but high school students are socializing everywhere and will bring that back into the hallways making it a greater challenge to maintain safe protocols for staff and students.

Comment by Now What? Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 7:37 pm
Of course -the state and cities don’t make the kind of money that they get from Casinos and Marijuana. It’s all about the money - why is the NFL still playing.

But, you can still get a haircut and maybe you can fly around on Pritzker’s plane to Florida or drive up to Wisconsin with them

Comment by @planonot oswego Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 8:08 pm
Living in Yuppieville (Downers Grove) we are pretty good at wearing masks and social distancing…not great, but most stores that I go into require everyone to wear a mask or don’t come in. I’ve been in other areas of DuPage (Wheaton is prolly one of the worst) that it’s the whole childish, “This is aginst my RIGHTS (NO I didn’t spell against wrong)…I am so sick and tired of childish adults…WEAR A MASK, SOCIAL DISTANCE AND WASH YOUR HANDS!!! That will keep us a bit better. Or do we want to be WI, IN, IA, MO, TN? All of which have a higher rate than us?
Also the parents that whine about on line learning and no sports. I understand this is hard, but would you rather have your children at home and safe or get the virus and have chronic lung, kidney, brain or liver issues???? I have a friend who’s son was healthy, athletic, didn’t drink, smoke or do drugs with no health issues that was infected with Covid…he’s now suffering from Pleurisy…into the 6th month…

Comment by Union Thug Gramma Tuesday, Oct 20, 20 @ 8:12 pm
===fly around on Pritzker’s plane to Florida or drive up to Wisconsin with them===

You can fly to Florida or drive to Wisconsin right now. What is your problem? Nobody’s stopping you. Go, already. Or at least return to Facebook where you belong.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 21, 20 @ 12:30 am