Due to the elevated virus positivity rate recorded in Region 1, added restrictions for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic began on Saturday, October 3, 2020. The Region’s showed a positivity rate exceeding 8% for three consecutive days. That forced Governor J. B. Pritzker to announce necessary restrictions. They will remain in force until the Region records a positivity rate of 6.5% or lower for three consecutive days.
Indoor service in bars and restaurants must be suspended.
Outside bar service may continue but must cease at 11:00 p.m. Parties visiting bars and restaurants are required to have reservations. Social events will be limited to 25 or fewer guests, or 25% of the overall room capacity. All party buses are banned under the pandemic restrictions.
These restrictions are in effect throughout Region 1, which includes Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago Counties.