SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (KMOX) - The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Region 4, the Metro East, is set to move from Tier 3 to Tier 2 pandemic mitigations if current metric trends continue. The move is set for Friday, and includes the counties of Bond, Madison, St. Clair, Clinton, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is contingent on having a third consecutive day of 12% positivity rate and having at least 20% of ICU beds available.
Under Tier 2, activities such as group fitness classes may resume. Lower-risk youth sports and recreation can also be allowed and cultural facilities, such as museums, can reopen at 25% capacity. What is NOT included in Tier 2 is indoor service at bars and restaurants. However, IDPH has just updated the rules to permit limited indoor service for regions attaining Tier 1. Previously, it was only open to Phase 4 in the Restore Illinois plan.
Health officials warn the change is only a done deal if the metrics meet the third consecutive day, and can be turn back around if the numbers climb. As of Thursday, Region 6 - the East Central area, including Champaign - is the only one at Phase 4. Region 7, which includes Kankakee, is at Tier 1.
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