Illinois launches online COVID-19 hotspot map for travelers

CHICAGO - Illinois public health officials on Monday launched a COVID-19 hotspot map for travelers to assess their risk before leaving the state.

The online map shows which U.S. states have an average daily case rate of at least 15 cases per 100,000 people, which is considered higher risk.

“This virus does not recognize borders and specific regions and it doesn’t stop at the edge of a region or a county,” Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said at an East St. Louis news conference. “We know that people may have to travel, but potentially based on where you may go that travel may increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19.”

She urged travelers to factor in details like how to safely manage airport terminals and rest areas.

Also Monday, health officials reported 1,773 new confirmed cases and 12 additional deaths. In total, Illinois has reported 207,854 confirmed cases and 7,756 deaths.

Southwestern Illinois has seen a resurgence, triggering fresh restrictions.

Over the weekend Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced restrictions for seven southwestern Illinois counties including Madison and St. Clair that take effect Tuesday. The move follows consecutive days of a positive test rate of 8% or higher. The state’s average positive test rate is 4.2%.