Illinois imposes new COVID-19 rules after spike in cases
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker at a news conference at the University of Chicago's Harper Center on July 23, 2020. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
CHICAGO - Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced fresh restrictions Sunday for southwestern Illinois after a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
The rules, effective Tuesday, include limiting meetings and social events to the lesser of 25 people or 25% of overall room capacity and closing bars and casinos at 11 p.m.
The restrictions follow three straight days of a positive test rate of 8% or higher. Illinois’ current statewide average is 4.1%.
1,562 NEW CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 IN ILLINOIS, 18 ADDITIONAL DEATHS
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I have made it clear that neither arbitrary dates on a calendar nor political pressure will dictate Illinois’ efforts to protect our people,” Pritzker said in a statement. “If the data shows we need to go backwards in our reopening, I won’t hesitate to tighten restrictions to protect our collective health.”
The restrictions apply to seven counties including Madison and St. Clair.
Illinois reported 1,562 new confirmed cases and 18 deaths Sunday. Overall, there’s been 206,081 confirmed cases and 7,744 deaths.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot wears a mask as she prepares to speak about the coronavirus economic recovery plan on April 23, 2020. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Also Sunday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot again warned of rising coronavirus rates, saying young people are behind the recent uptick.
LIGHTFOOT WARNS OF RISING VIRUS CASES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE
“We’ve just got to break through to young people that they are not immune to this virus,” she said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”
Lightfoot said there’s also been an increase among Latinos, which officials are addressing by working with community groups.