CHICAGO, IL – Restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus, including a ban on indoor dining, could return to suburban Cook County within days, a state public health official told reporters on Saturday said.
Dr. Rachel Rubin, co-leader of the Cook County Department of Public Health, said a further increase in affairs could cause the department to reintroduce restrictions, the Chicago Tribune reported. This could mean a ban on indoor dining and setting limits for the event, she said.
“We will most likely have to cling on within a few days,” Rubin said, according to the Tribune report. “I do not promise one way or another.”
Rubin’s prediction comes as coronavirus cases increase in Cook County.
The average of seven days in suburban Cook County remains at 498 daily affairs. As of last week, the positivity rate was 5 percent, close to the 8 percent benchmark that led to a halt last year.
The province ended a number of mitigation measures at the end of March, including an increase in the number of people allowed to eat outside in groups and open amusement parks with a capacity of 25 percent.
The setback also had an impact on outdoor fitness classes, meetings, social events and leisure activities by increasing capacity to 50 percent or 100 people.