Forty-two out of 102 counties of Illinois have recommended mask use. The reason? COVID-19 Cases are rising again. 86 counties in Illinois have already shown spiking COVID-19 status. Those 42 Counties that have recommended mask use have been considered “high” group level. Compared to last week, that’s double the counties that had a “high” classification. This all follows what many officials were expecting. A post-Thanksgiving COVID-19 rise as well as transmission of the virus between people.
What does it mean to be a “High” COVID-19 County?
It simply means that the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) highly suggests those with and without the vaccine wear a mask. Remember that wearing a mask protects others from receiving an individual’s germs.
Counties with a “High” ranking in Illinois Include:
-
Adams;
- Brown;
- Calhoun;
- Cass;
- Champaign;
- Christian;
- Clay;
- Coles;
- DeKalb;
- Douglas;
- Edgar;
- Edwards;
- Ford;
- Fulton;
- Gallatin;
- Hardin;
- Jasper;
- Johnson;
- Kankakee;
- Knox;
- Lee;
- Logan;
- Macon;
- Marshall;
- Mason;
- Massac;
- Menard;
- Peoria;
- Piatt;
- Pike;
- Randolph;
- Richland;
- Saline;
- Sangamon;
- Scott;
- Shelby;
- Tazewell;
- Vermilion;
- Wabash;
- Warren;
- Whiteside;
- And Williamson County.
Expect More
Officials expect more counties to become a “High” with Christmas and New Year’s coming up. However, if everyone wore a mask outside, there could possibly be a COVID-19 decrease in Illinois. As long as people listen to the mask recommendation, Illinois COVID-19 Cases should stay the same.
The CDC says, that if someone tests positive, stay home. Isolate from families and friends. Although it’s festive times, without taking prevention and care, COVID will only spread again. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe and take precautions to keep everyone healthy.
Written by Adriana Castelan
Sources:
NBC: Masks Recommended in Over 40 Illinois Counties With ‘High’ COVID Community Alert Level
NBC: 2 Chicago-Area Counties Reach High COVID Alert Level, Masks Recommended
Images by Nathaniel Hernandez Courtesy of Adriana Castelan