IL Nears Statewide Ban On Indoor Dining

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Indoor dining could soon be banned at restaurants across the state after Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced added restrictions for another region Friday. Region 6, which includes counties in east-central Illinois, saw its rolling average test positivity rate tip over 8 percent for three days in a row and now will see new mitigations start at midnight on Sunday.

That leaves just one region in Illinois, Region 2, that hasn’t had indoor dining at restaurants and bar shut down. But with the positivity rate surpassing 8 percent there as well, it’s looking like those counties will also soon join the mix.

"With community transmission rates on the rise all around our state, it’s more important than ever to take caution, mask up, avoid gatherings and ensure your family gets through this as safe as can be,” Pritzker said “Let’s remember that the quickest way we get kids back into schools and businesses open and workers employed is to bring down infections, positivity rates, and hospitalizations in our communities – and that means mask up, wash up, back up, and sleeve up to get your flu shot.”

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During his daily address on Friday, Pritzker addressed the move by some restaurant owners and businesses to defy his order to close. In McHenry County, more than 30 restaurants have joined a lawsuit that was expected to be filed and meant to allow the businesses to remain open. Earlier this week, FoxFire in Geneva was granted a temporary restraining order after similar restrictions took effect in Kane County. The order will allow the restaurant to continue to serve patrons inside.

Pritzker reiterated the statistics and studies Friday that show COVID-19 is easily transmitted inside bars and restaurants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dining at bars and restaurants is closely linked to the spread of the virus in many communities. Adults who tested positive for the virus were approximately twice as likely to have reported dining at a restaurant than those with negative test results, according to a CDC study published in September. Experts now believe the coronavirus is airborne, and tiny droplets containing the virus can linger indoors for hours as aerosols, making indoor dining especially risky since diners can't wear masks while eating.

“The effect on businesses from this virus is tragic,” Pritzker said. “...but people are dying. We now have hospitalizations going up; they’re almost double what they were just two weeks ago. This is an extraordinarily dangerous virus and this is an extraordinarily dangerous time.”

On Friday, Illinois recorded 6,943 new coronavirus cases, which is the highest number of cases recorded over a 24-hour period to date. The state also saw its highest number of tests in one day: 95,000.

Currently, there are nine regions where “Tier 1” mitigations have been ordered. Under Tier 1 rules, party buses are banned bars and restaurants must end indoor service and close by 11 p.m. and gatherings must be limited to 25 guests or fewer. There is also one region, Region 1, that has Tier 2 mitigations in place, which means additional restrictions on outdoor recreation, restaurants and bars and gatherings.

• IL Reports Almost 7,000 New Coronavirus Cases, Another Record

Pritzker says the state’s tier system will remain in place.

“I’m not currently considering a stay at home order for Illinois,” he said.

Public health officials will lift additional regional restrictions once those positivity rates drop below 6.5 percent for three days in a row. State officials could implement "Tier 2" mitigation strategies if regional positivity rates remain above 8 percent for 14 days.

And as cases continued to rise across the state, Pritzker urged residents to find smart ways to celebrate Halloween, preferably from the safety of their homes. For those who head out to trick-or-treat, masks should be worn and other precautions, including social distancing, should be practiced.

• Halloween Coronavirus Guidance Issued By Pritzker Administration

“In the end whatever fun you chose this virus does not make an exception for holidays or if you want to take a break from it,” Pritzker said. “Think seriously if you need to go out to celebrate at all.”