Region 9 Shutdown: How Will Restaurants, Bars Survive?

LAKE AND MCHENRY COUNTIES, IL — Lake and McHenry counties could soon see additional restrictions put in place, including the shut down of indoor service at bars and restaurants, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Region 9 has seen its coronavirus positivity rate continue to tick up in recent weeks, tipping over 8 percent in recent days and continuing to climb.

If a region remains over 8 percent for three days, Gov. J.B Pritzker can issue additional restrictions, including the shutdown of indoor service at bars and restaurants. And according to public health data, Wednesday could mark day three for the region, which includes Lake and McHenry counties.

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The region saw its seven-day rolling average hit 8.4 percent on Oct. 24, which is its highest positivity rate to date, according to the latest health data. On Oct. 23, that rate was 8.1 percent.

• Region 9 Positivity Rate Hits 8.4 Percent

If the region is again above 8 percent Wednesday, Pritzker would announce mitigations at his press conference, which starts at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, said Hannah Goering, marketing and communications manager for the Lake County Department of Health. Typically, the new restrictions take place 48 hours after that announcement.

With a possible shutdown looming — the second this year for bars, restaurants and breweries — we would like to share your stories with readers as we continue to track how this pandemic is affecting our communities. We've included a survey below. Your responses will help with our reporting — include your name, email and phone number, which will not be available to the public, if you'd be willing to talk to us more.

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