NO DATE (WREX) – Four Illinois counties are at what the state calls a warning level for new coronavirus disease. According to officials, a county enters a warning level when two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that measure the number of COVID-19 cases increase.
These counties saw outbreaks associated with commercial and risky behavior, including:
Adams County: Larger social events, exposure to health care, trips to hot spots, including Missouri and Iowa neighbors, places of worship, and youth sports.
LaSalle County: large family and social gatherings, increased cases among people under the age of 29, younger people who visit bars and attend larger social events, and inconsistencies with masking requirements.
Peoria County: increases in cases among people under the age of 29, large gatherings, including July 4 parties, and people traveling to Florida, Iowa, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Randolph County: congregated environments, numerous bars that do not comply with the distancing and masking, a great party with more than 200 people, and between homes.
IDPH uses numerous indicators to determine if a county is experiencing stable COVID-19 activity, or if there are warning signs of an increased risk of COVID-19 in the county.
• New cases per 100,000 people. If there are 50 or more new cases for every 100,000 people in the county, this generates a warning.
• Number of deaths. This metric indicates a warning when the number of deaths increases more than 20% for two consecutive weeks.
• Weekly positivity test. This metric indicates a warning when the 7-day test positivity rate rises above 8%.
• UCI availability. If there are less than 20% of the intensive care units available in the region, this generates a warning.
• Weekly emergency visits. This metric indicates a warning when the weekly percentage of emergency department visits for COVID-19-like illness increases by more than 20% for two consecutive weeks.
• Weekly hospital admissions. A warning is triggered when the weekly number of hospital admissions for COVID-19-like illness increases by more than 20% for two consecutive weeks.
• Tests carried out. This metric is used to provide context and indicate if further testing is needed in the county.
• Bunches This metric analyzes the percentage of COVID-19 cases associated with clusters or outbreaks and is used to understand the large increase in cases.
These metrics are intended to be used at the local level to help local leaders, businesses, local health departments, and the public make informed decisions about personal and family meetings, as well as the activities they choose to carry out. The metrics are updated weekly, from Sunday to Saturday of the previous week.
You can find a map and state information for each county on the IDPH website at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/countymetrics.
