ALTON, Ill — The Metro East could be on the cusp of seeing some coronavirus restrictions being eased.
Currently Region 4, which includes several Metro East counties, is in Tier 3. The current designation by Illinois means no indoor dining, certain businesses such as casinos and movie theaters can't open and small social gatherings are discouraged.
However, recent coronavirus data shows a falling 7-day positivity rate. On Wednesday, the Metro East had a 7-day positivity rate of 8.1%. That's the lowest it's been since October.
For the Metro East to move into Tier 2, it needs to meet three health metrics provided by the state:
- Three consecutive days of the 7-day positivity rate below 12%
- Three consecutive days of at least 20% of ICU beds in the region available
- Sustained decline in hospital COVID-19 patients
Currently, The Metro East meets two of the three metrics.
Some of the activities allowed under Tier 2 include:
- Casinos and Cultural institutions can reopen
- Household gatherings limited to 10 people
- Indoor fitness classes with fewer than 10 people
Indoor dining remains closed and won't reopen until the region qualifies for Tier 1.
Click here for more information about Illinois' mitigation plan.
