Burr Ridge Mayor Updates Residents On Coronavirus Response, Mask Requirements

Press release from the Burr Ridge Police Department:

July 16, 2020

Governor Pritzker today issued a revision to the Restore Illinois plan, with new regions as part of his announcement entitled “Actions to Combat a Resurgence of COVID-19” (ACR). Burr Ridge, as a DuPage County municipality, is now a part the West Suburban Region 8 that is comprised of only DuPage and Kane Counties. Not only are we no longer included with Chicago, but also as many had suggested originally, Chicago is in its own region. Suburban Cook too is its own region. Frankly, the new regional delineations seem fairer and better challenges each region to comply with the Governor’s recommendations to quell the spike in COVID-19. The Governor’s ACR announcement notes that the state “… is committed to being fully prepared for any resurgence and transparent with the public to what that planning looks like.” That stated, the announcement is to alert us to a plan that would address the need for greater social restrictions should there be a surge in one or more regions. For example, if there is a sustained increase in positivity in a 7-day rolling average (7 out of 10 days) AND a similar sustained increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions OR substantial reduction in ICU capacity or med/surg. beds under 20%, there will be additional restrictions imposed. The same can be stated should there be three consecutive days averaging greater than or equal to 8% positivity rate.

For our new region, there appears to be no need to presume that more restrictions are forthcoming.

To put the new regulations in perspective, DuPage yesterday reported 4% positivity with no change in positivity over the last 14 days. Hospitalizations have decreased by 43% in the last 28 days.

ICU bed availability is 42%, ventilator availability is 74% and med/surg. beds are at 32%.

The DuPage County Board today approved allocation on a per capita basis of CARES Act monies to
DuPage municipalities. We will receive about $356,000 based upon our DuPage population. Cook County is being less generous; we will receive about $30,000 from Cook. In total, the Village will receive $386,000 in CARES Act funds. This money must be related to our COVID response, but those metrics should include reimbursement for our tent and business recovery programs.

The case count in Burr Ridge increased by four since Monday to 121. As today’s announcement
underscores, rolling averages are what matters, which is what we have been tracking. Fourteen days ago on July 1, there were 102 cases – 19 new cases in 14 days. Although significant increases in testing are occurring (38,000 yesterday), we are not seeing significant spikes in the Village –
even with four senior living centers. This is good news thus far. Nevertheless, the next 2-4 weeks
will tell the tale.

I have received comments that a Clay County, IL judge has declared the Governor’s order null and
void. While I respect the court’s opinion, this is not a matter of law at this stage – it is a
matter of common sense healthcare. Wearing a mask is protecting you and others. Mask for US.

“You never know how or when you’ll have an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else.” – Denzel Washington

SOCIAL DISTANCING - ELBOW BUMPS - WEAR FACE COVERINGS

This press release was produced by the Burr Ridge Police Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.