(WTTW News)
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,145 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday and another 32 virus-related deaths.
The number of confirmed cases remained steady in the two regions of the state where officials have imposed strict restrictions after a surge of coronavirus cases.
In Will and Kankakee counties — known as region seven — the average test positivity rate is 7.5%, according to state data.
In the Metro East area of the state, near the border with St. Louis, the average test positivity rate is 10.1%, according to state data.
In those two regions of the state, indoor service for bars or restaurants is prohibited, outside bar and food service must end at 11 p.m. and gatherings must be limited to no more than 25 people or 25% of the overall room capacity.
The statewide test positivity rate on Friday was 3.9%, the IDPH reported. As of Friday, Chicago’s test positivity rate is 5.1%, while suburban Cook County has a positivity rate of 6%, according to state health officials.
Approximately 1,619 people in Illinois are hospitalized with COVID-19, including 359 people in intensive care units and 155 patients on ventilators, according to state health officials.
Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]
