State Updates, Expands COVID-19 County Warning List

Aug. 21, 2020

The Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 20 counties are considered to be at a warning level for COVID-19: Bureau, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Jefferson, Logan, Madison, Monroe, Moultrie, Randolph, St. Clair, Union, White, Will and Williamson. A county enters a warning level when two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that measure the amount of COVID-19 increase. The previous week’s list included 14 counties.

IDPH says these counties saw cases or outbreaks associated with weddings, businesses, neighborhood gatherings, parties, long-term care facilities and other congregate settings, travel to neighboring states, bars, sports camps, and spread among members of the same household who are not isolating at home. Cases connected to schools are also beginning to be reported. Public health officials say they are observing people not social distancing or using face coverings. Additionally, there are reports of individuals who are ill attributing their symptoms to allergies or other illnesses, or not being forthcoming about their symptoms or close contacts.