DeKalb Times

Positivity rates involving the coronavirus pandemic are spiking in portions of Illinois, according to the State Department of Health.

Health Region I was subjected to increased mitigation after it suffered through more than three consecutive days of a COVID-19 positivity rate above 8%.

“These mitigations are both a setback and a wake-up call that we’re all in this together when it comes to keeping each other healthy and keeping our economy open,” state Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) said in a press release. “DeKalb County has a lower positivity rate, below the warning level, than several other counties in our region. While that is a good thing, it is frustrating that our local communities’ best efforts are not enough to avoid mitigation. Higher rates among our neighbors, particularly in Winnebago, Boone and Lee counties are pulling us down. We should have greater independence at the county level to respond with mitigation efforts locally to trends like this.”

Region 1 extends from DeKalb and Boone counties to the Iowa border. A region is subjected to increased mitigations if it endures three consecutive days of positivity rates above 8%. Those mitigations usually include limited capacity indoors and restrictions for restaurants and bars.

“My immediate concern is not only for people to remain safe from COVID but also for the workers who are directly impacted by mitigation measures. Their ability to provide for their families is being threatened through no fault of their own,” Keicher said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health also released positivity rates for Region I with Boone County leading the way at 10.7 percent. Other counties include Carroll County at 3.8 percent, DeKalb’s at 6.9, Jo Daviess’ at 9.1, Lee’s at 9.9, Ogle’s at 6.9, Stephenson at 5.2, Whiteside at 6.4 and Winnebago at 8.7.