On a day when LaSalle County reported a record high number of new coronavirus cases, Gov. Pritzker warned it’s on the verge of business restrictions returning. He says the county must begin turning around the increases in COVID-19 cases during the next four days. Otherwise, bars and restaurants may be reduced again to outdoor service only. Other businesses where the virus is believed to be spreading could be restricted again too.
Four days doesn’t seem to be much time when new cases can take up to two weeks after exposure to become known. But Pritzker says the county hasn’t triggered an immediate return to new restrictions.
During a visit to the LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency in Ottawa Thursday, Pritzker told everyone to wear their masks when they go anywhere in public. He says don’t go into a bar if it’s crowded. And if the LaSalle County Health Department calls you, answer. It might be doing contact tracing to figure out where the virus has spread.
LaSalle County Health Dept. Health Educator Jenny Barrie says the 26 COVID-19 cases added to the county’s tally Thursday are the most in one day. The previous record was 21 and was reached Saturday last week. New cases numbering ten or more in a day have become the norm since business restrictions were eased about a month ago.
Left to right: Ottawa Mayor Dan Aussem, LaSalle County Board Chairman Jim Olson, St. Rep. Lance Yednock, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Naplate Mayor Gary Mooney, LaSalle County Health Dept. Director Julie Kerestes