(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The number of new daily coronavirus cases in Illinois continues trending above 1,000 on the day Chicago announced rollbacks on some reopening measures because of an uptick.
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Monday reported 1,173 positive tests for coronavirus and six additional deaths.
Although the numbers are lower compared to when the state hit a COVID-19 peak earlier this year, the number of new cases continues to nudge upward after a recent trend downward. The state’s “positivity rate” — a key indicator of whether the virus is spreading — is holding relatively stable and low at 3%, health officials said.
Still, the Illinois rate had dipped to 2.5% early this month.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has questioned whether residents are following health guidelines to social-distance and wear masks in public. On Monday, she announced new restrictions targeting drinking establishments.
Beginning Friday, bars and taverns that are not considered restaurants will no longer be able to serve patrons inside but may still serve them outside on outdoor patios, she said.