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Metro East Region Faces New COVID-19 Restrictions

State of Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker says region that includes the Metro East will have new restrictions this week - aimed at blunting the spread of coronavirus in the area.
The state's public health department says Region Four - which includes Randolph, Monroe, Washington, Clinton, St. Clair, Madison, and Bond Counties - has had a positivity rate above eight-percent for more than three days, triggering the new rules.

Those new rules will mean earlier closing times for bars, casinos, and restaurants, along with smaller group sizes for gatherings. As of Tuesday, groups will be limited to 25 people, or 25% capacity of the meeting space - whichever is smaller. The mitigation will last for at least two weeks.

Reception halls and party buses will have to shut down during the two weeks, and reservations will be required at restaurants and bars. In addition, businesses will be limiting tables to six guests or fewer, and bar stools will be removed to prevent crowding.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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