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Gov. Pritzker: COVID-19 Is Not Going Away But You Can Help Prevent It

Michelle O'Neill
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WVIK News
IL Gov. J.B. Pritzker answers questions at a press conference at the Rock Island County Health Dept. as State Rep. Mike Halpin observes.
Credit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/countymetrics / Illinois Department of Public Health
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Illinois Department of Public Health
Screenshot of Rock Island County data from the IDPH website, note the only warning for the county is in the "New Cases Per 100,000" section, where the goal is 50 or less. But the county reports 105 for 7/12/20 through 7/18/20.

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. 

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
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WVIK News
IL Gov. Pritzker speaks while Rock Island County Health Department Administrator Nita Ludwig listens.

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.

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
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