Governor J.B. Pritzker is deeply concerned that the number of COVID-19 cases in Rock Island County is increasing.
Michelle O'Neill reports after he and local officials spoke at the health department this afternoon after a stop in Quincy earlier.
Pritzker the statewide infection rate is 3.7%, up from a low of 2.5%. In region two, which includes Rock Island County, the positivity rate is even higher at 4%.
The governor says that's the wrong direction, and he encourages everyone to continue social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask.
Pritzker is also worried about reopening schools and students participating in sports. He says outbreaks of COVID-19 have been tied to interaction during games and team members gathering at homes.
The governor says it's definitely not time to ease up on restrictions because the infection rate is rising. And the coronavirus is very unpredictable.
So far Pritzker has not issued any mandates about reopening public schools.
Local districts are making decisions with community input about how to hold classes this fall.
And the governor says school districts, along with the Illinois High School Association, will make decisions about whether sports will be played.
