Multiple counties in the Regional Radio listening area have been moved into the “warning level” for COVID-19. Fayette, Sangamon, and Shelby County have been moved into the warning level. A county enters a warning level when two or more COVID-19 risk factors indicate that COVID-19 has increased.

30 counties in Illinois were in the warning level on Friday morning. IDPH uses indicators for documenting COVID cases. These are the metrics that the State uses to determine when a county is at a warning level. New cases per 100,000 people, number of deaths, weekly test positivity rates, ICU availability, Weekly emergency department visits, weekly hospital admissions, tests performed, and clusters are all factors that are observed.

The IDPH is concerned that people are not practicing social distancing, they are gathering in large groups, and not using face coverings. Cases connected to schools are also being reported and on the rise. The Chris-Mont EMA is asking all Christian and Montgomery County residents to do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19.