State health officials on Monday announced 1,773 new coronavirus cases and 12 additional deaths.
Illinois is averaging more than 1,700 new cases each day this month — up sharply from July’s daily average of 1,150.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity rate from August 10 through August 16 is 4.2% — a slight uptick from a week ago when the positivity rate stood at 4.1%.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has repeatedly warned people that if a region surpasses certain thresholds — including percentage of people testing positive, hospital capacity and rising hospital admissions — officials will tighten restrictions.
The first region to experience a roll back in its reopening is the Metro East region in southern Illinois, which has surpassed an 8% positivity rate for three consecutive days.
Starting Tuesday, the Metro East region — which includes Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington counties — will face tighter restrictions, mainly affecting bars, restaurants and social gatherings. Under the new mitigation requirements, bars and restaurants must close by 11 p.m. There will be no party buses and all reception halls will be closed. Group gatherings will be limited to just 25 people or 25% of the venue’s capacity, whichever is less.
Health officials have attributed the recent uptick in cases in Illinois to outbreaks among young people, especially 20- to 29-year-olds who account for nearly 19% of the state’s total cases.
The state’s total number of cases stands at 207,854. The total death toll is 7,756.
The vast majority of COVID-19 patients — about 95% — have recovered.
