Based on regional metrics established by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), suburban Cook County, including Skokie, are have moved from blue to orange on the County Level Risk Meetrics Map. An ’orange’ designation indicates warning signs of increased COVID-19 activity. See more information from IDPH.
According to an August 28, 2020 IDPH news release, the reasons for counties reaching a warning level varies but some common factors include attendance at large gatherings, traveling to neighboring states, lack of social distancing and not wearing face coverings. See information about how to protect your health and the health of your loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
County level metrics are presented as weekly values, based on Sunday to Saturday of the week prior to the update. Each metric is individually compared to a target value or expected trend over two consecutive weeks to evaluate the status of COVID-19 disease burden or resource capacity for timely awareness. The eight metrics include number of new cases per 100,000 people, number of deaths, weekly test positivity, ICU available, weekly hospital admissions, COVID-19 clusters and more. The measures are evaluated collectively to determine if multiple indicators are at warning levels.
The Skokie Health Department reminds everyone to wash their hands, wear a face covering in public and maintain at least six feet of distance from others not living in their household.
