Entire State Under Additional Restrictions: As of today, the entire state is under additional restrictions described below.  As expected, Region 2 (Quad Cities, Peoria, Pontiac) fell under these additional measures over the weekend and became effective today.  These additional restrictions are largely aimed at indoor dining and bar service and for social gatherings under the state’s revamped Phase 4 plan.  The seven-day rolling average of Illinois’ positivity rate is now at 8.5%, but 8.9% since last reported here 5 days ago.

These charts will illustrate where the state is at in terms of its positivity and hospitalization rates and the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Again, in addition to face covering, social distancing, and hand washing requirements, these mitigation efforts include the following measures which will remain in effect over a 14-day period after which, more stringent mitigation measures will be implemented if the region’s positivity rate does not improve.

For bars:

• All bars close at 11:00pm
• No indoor service
• All bar 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

For restaurants:

• All restaurants close at 11:00pm
• No indoor dining or bar service
• Tables should be 6 feet apart
• No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
• Reservations required for each party
• No seating of multiple parties at one table

For meetings, social events and gatherings:

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

It should be noted, however, at this time these increased mitigation efforts will not include classrooms.

A full list of mitigation measures pertaining to some businesses and industries may also be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website at DCEO COVID-19 resources.

Updated Specific State Information on COVID-19 Orders:  The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has again updated their comprehensive chart detailing state specific orders, re-opening plans, and other restrictions as well as executive orders and legislation relating to business liability.  This chart is attached to this Update.

Update on COVID-19 Cases: IDPH is reporting 437,556 positive tests of COVID-19 in Illinois, an average increase of 7,031 new positive tests per day since reported here 5 days ago on October 30.  In total, 8,030,713 tests have now been conducted in Illinois for the virus, an average increase of 78,700 tests per day since October 30.  The state’s average positivity rate over all 11 regions is at 8.5% for the last week, but at 8.9% over the last 5 days.  You can see where the various regions are at in terms of their positivity rates, hospitalizations and other metrics at this link. 

Unfortunately, IDPH is reporting a total of 9,933 deaths, an average increase of 44 per day since October 30.

You can also check where these cases are occurring at the State of Illinois COVID-19 website which also contains more information on this outbreak.

Also, IDPH has a case breakdown of the number of positive cases in Chicago and each county relative to the number of fatalities.  The IDPH website also now includes a breakdown of the cases under each zip code in the state.

For information on other states and countries, John Hopkins University has developed this website that provides invaluable resources at a one-stop location detailing testing and tracing trends, timelines of COVID-19 policies, and interactive maps.

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