August 28, 2020 – Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported that 30 Illinois counties are considered to be at a warning level for COVID-19. For a county to enter a warning level, two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that measure the number of cases of COVID-19 must increase. Bureau, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Cook, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Greene, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Jasper, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Madison, Monroe, Morgan, Perry, Pike, Randolph, Sangamon, Shelby, St. Clair, Union, Warren, White, Will, and Williamson are all considered to be at a warning level. The reasons for the counties reaching a warning level differ, but there are common factors for an increase in cases and outbreaks associated with large gatherings, long-term care facilities, bars, and other congregate settings.
Public health officials have noted people not social distancing, not using face covering and gathering in large groups. Local law enforcement and state attorneys in some counties are not enforcing mitigation measures. Some counties have implemented increased testing opportunities, meeting with local leaders, and educating businesses and other large venues about the importance of the measures. IDPH uses numerous indicators when determining if a county is experiencing stable COVID-19 activity, or if there are warning signs of increased COVID-19 risk in the county. A county is considered at the warning level when at least two of the following metrics triggers a warning.
