Kankakee, IL – Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently announced a rolling seven day average of 8% or above for a COVID-19 test positivity rate for Region 7 (Kankakee and Will County) and Region 8 (Kane and DuPage County).

On Friday, October 23, 2020, both regions will join other regions across the state for resurgence mitigation measures.

“By the end of this week, four regions will all be operating under the standard resurgence mitigations – that includes no indoor dining or indoor bar service and limiting in-person gatherings to no more than 25 individuals,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As colder weather approaches and flu season is upon us, we’re going to see the rippling effects of these current unfortunate trends. There is no easy fix for the effects of this virus on our economy and our public health. But we can and will manage through this. We’re Midwestern tough here in Illinois. We know how to deal with a crisis. And we know how to take care of each other.”

Mitigation measures include:
 
Bars

• No indoor service
• All outside bar service closes at 11:00 p.m.
• 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

Restaurants

• No indoor dining or bar service
• All outdoor dining closes at 11:00 p.m.
• Outside dining 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

Meetings, Social Events, Gatherings

• Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25 percent of overall room capacity
• No party buses
• Gaming and Casinos close at 11:00 p.m., are limited to 25 percent capacity, and follow mitigations for bars and restaurants, if applicable

These mitigations do not currently apply to schools. (Source: https://www2.illinois.gov/.)

“We expected to see cases rise as health officials stated this would be the case with flu season now among us. While this news is unfortunate, we will continue to work through this together and provide updates. I want to encourage everyone again to follow the safety precautions and guidelines which we have posted on our website. Please check on your loved ones and be safe,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

According to IDPH, if the positivity rate averages less than or equal to 6.5% for three consecutive days, all regions will return to Phase 4 mitigations under the Restore Illinois Plan. If the positivity rate averages between 6.5% and 8%, the new mitigations will remain in place. If the positivity rate averages greater than or equal to 8% after 14 days, more stringent mitigations can be applied to further reduce spread of the virus. 

# # #

The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release - Governor Pritzker Announces Resurgence Mitigations to Take Effect for Kankakee, Will, Kane and DuPage Counties