Areas of Region 6 of the Illinois COVID-19 mitigation map have advanced out of Tier 1 into the less restrictive Phase 4. Iroquois, Ford, Champaign and Vermilion counties are part of Region 6.

The Illinois Department of Public Health made the change after Region 6 recorded a low positivity rate for three consecutive days as well as an ICU bed capacity of 20 percent or more and no increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 in seven out of the previous 10 days. Central Illinois advanced to Tier 1 earlier this week.

Gatherings of up to 50 people or 50 percent of room capacity will now be allowed. All outdoor recreation is allowed along with some indoor recreational activities. Museums, theaters and bowling alleys can also reopen. Indoor dining is also being expanded, with tables spaced six feet apart and parties having no more than 10 people.

Region 6 is one of three regions in the state that have been moved ahead to Phase 4, with the others being Region 3 (western Illinois) and Region 5 (southern Illinois).

Dr. Ngozi Ezike of the IDPH reminds the public “we’re trending in the right direction, so let’s not let our guard down. Stay the course and follow the guidelines.”

94.1 WGFA