Local good news. The rate of new COVID-19 cases has slowed in Homewood and Flossmoor, and there have been no additional deaths reported for either village by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office in the past two months. Homewood has recorded 425 cases since the pandemic began, with eight new cases in the past week. Flossmoor has recorded 190 cases total, with four new cases in the past week.
Regional good news. On Thursday, Region 7, which includes neighboring Will and Kankakee counties, returned to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan after about three weeks of increased restrictions. The restrictions were imposed after the region experienced three consecutive days of positivity rates above 8 percent. Lifting the restrictions means indoor dining and bar service can resume.
“Let that be a testament to the power of a community that embraces doctor-recommended mitigations proven to reduce risk and slow the spread,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “We can’t outrun this virus, but with the tools we know to work – masks, distancing, handwashing, and respect for public health and each other – we can beat it back enough to keep our businesses open and our neighborhoods safer all at once.”
The positive test rate in Region 10, which includes Homewood and Flossmoor, has been declining in recent weeks. As of Sept. 17, the rate was 5.3 percent, down from nearly 7 percent in early August.
Statewide medium news. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that 24 counties in the state are considered at a warning level for COVID-19 infection rates and other metrics. That’s better than some reports. At one point, 30 counties were at the warning level. But it’s not as good as the Aug. 21 report, which listed 20 counties at the warning level.
‘Let us play.’ High school sports remain limited in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19. The Chicago Tribune reported that about 100 parents and students demonstrated at the Thompson Center in Chicago on Saturday to urge Pritzker to ease up on the restrictions, arguing that with precautions, student athletes could compete safely. The governor has not indicated willingness to revisit the current limitations, however.