13 Illinois counties under IDPH warning level for COVID-19

There are now 13 Illinois counties under a warning for a COVID-19 outbreak, according to a Friday news release from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Cass, Coles, Grundy, Iroquois, Jackson, Monroe, Perry, Saline, St. Clair, Tazewell, Union, Williamson, and Winnebago are the 13 counties that have two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that measure the amount of COVID-19 increase.

"These counties saw cases or outbreaks associated with businesses, long-term care facilities, large social gatherings, and out of state travel," IDPH said in the news release. "There have been several instances of multiple cases among family members in the same, large household. Students returning to universities and colleges are also driving the recent increase in cases in several communities. Many students are not wearing face coverings or social distancing and are gathering in large groups and at bars.

"Several counties are taking swift action and implementing mitigation measures to help slow spread of the virus. Examples include working with university administrations for student education and contact tracing, working with county boards of health, and cancelling events and festivals."