CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Illinois reported a record high daily number of coronavirus cases as Gov. JB Pritzker announced strict mitigation measures would be tightened even more for the northern region of the state that includes Rockford.
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Thursday said there were 4,942 new coronavirus cases, including 44 additional deaths from COVID-19.
The statewide positivity rate remains at 5.7%, but that COVID metric is spiking in some regions.
Because of continued high numbers in Region 1 — the greater Rockford area — Pritzker said several counties in that area will be under "Tier 2" mitigation measures that are even stricter than rollbacks imposed in other hot spots.
Indoor bar and restaurant service continues to be suspended. Under the even tighter guidelines, outdoor tables will be limited to six people instead of 10, and gatherings will be capped at 10 individuals instead of 25.
The changes are effective Sunday.
Thursday's tally of coronavirus cases marks the 16th consecutive day Illinois has recorded 2,000 or more new cases, IDPH said.
