Logan County Department of Public Health urges continued diligence with COVID-19 preventative measures

[November 18, 2020]   Logan County and much of the State of Illinois has seen a recent surge in the number of COVID-19 infection rates as more people are venturing out and taking fewer preventative precautions. Logan County is just one of 19 counties encompassing Region 3 of the Restore Illinois Governor’s recovery plan which is designed to track regional activity and address detected resurgences through appropriate mitigation actions.

The State looks at several factors which would lead a region to resurgence mitigation status. One of the determining factors is whether a region has averaged greater than or equal to an 8% positivity rate for three consecutive days (7 day rolling). The State announced this week that Region 3 has attained this level and are now requiring Region 3 and Logan County to enter tier 1 action level to combat the resurgence which will become effective Sunday, November 1st.

What will this mean for local businesses? According to the mitigation plan, among other requirements, restaurants and bars can only serve food and drink outdoors with tables 6 feet apart with each not exceeding 6 people. In addition, restaurants and bars must close by 11 p.m. and not reopen before 6 a.m. the following day. Office workers are urged to continue working from home if possible. In addition, meetings and social events are limited to 25 guests or not to exceed 25% of room capacity. Visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website at https://dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois/ to learn more about Restore Illinois, county and regional information in addition to the full resurgence mitigation requirements. The Illinois Department of Public Health will continue to track the positivity rate in regions requiring enhanced mitigation efforts over a 14-day monitoring period before it can be determined if mitigations can be relaxed.

The Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) understands that these requirements will pose additional challenges to an already challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The rate at which our region can recover will depend highly on the commitment of the public and businesses to adhere to stern preventative practices,” Don Cavi, Public Health Administrator at Logan County Department of Public Health stated.

The health department reminds everyone to use common sense and stay home if you are sick or feel ill, contact your doctor, and to get tested for COVID-19. If you are infected or feel you may be infected, avoid others while following isolation and quarantine rules. The health department nurses and contact tracers are working overtime to track down and assist those who are infected or may have been in contact with an infected individual in order to reduce further COVID-19 exposure throughout the community. If you venture out to a public place, wear a mask, unless medically not possible, and maintain proper social distancing. Also, be sure to wash hands frequently and avoid touching common surfaces as much as possible.

The health department is providing COVID-19 testing, flu and other immunizations and services by appointment only during this time. You can schedule your appointment by calling LCDPH at 217-735-2317. In addition, you can visit the health department website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG for the latest local statistics and information regarding COVID-19.

[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]