Springfield, Illinois (KMOX) - Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a new daily record for coronavirus positive tests Thursday, with 4,942 confirmed. That's more than 400 above the count just from last Friday. He says regions of the state that will be going under added restrictions - such as a ban on indoor service at bars and restaurants - is being expanded. Such restrictions began in southeastern Illinois counties Thursday.
In addition to warning people to take precautions, Pritzker said the Illinois State Police will be patrolling regions under restriction for violators. Citations will be issued, in addition to officers telling groups in excess of 25 people to break up. The Governor calls on State's Attorneys to follow through on citations issued by police. A Marion County judge had recently dismissed a citation against Washy's Saloon, ruling Pritzker did not have authority to RE-issue health restrictions after his first orders expired.
Pritzker, a Democrat, says coronavirus is not going to be going away. He noted that even with a vaccine or other therapeutics, it will remain part of the viral landscape much like the annual flu.
