McHenry County Enters Coronavirus 'Warning' Level

Press release from the McHenry County Health Department:

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk level in McHenry County has changed from blue to orange on the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) County Level Risk Metrics Map, indicating an increased risk of COVID-19 in the county.

IDPH places a county at the orange ‘Warning’ level when at least two of the eight main indicators used to evaluate COVID-19 disease transmission show increased spread. Each county is regularly assessed to determine whether it is meeting or exceeding each indicator target.

Those who live, work and visit McHenry County for recreation are encouraged to use available data to help inform their choices about attending gatherings as well as participating in other potentially higher-risk activities.

An increase in case rates and test positivity from October 4–October 10 have led to the change to an orange 'Warning' designation for McHenry County.

There were 102 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people reported last week in McHenry County, an increase from 63 new cases per 100,000 people the previous week. The target established by the state is less than 50 cases per 100,000 population per week.

During the week of October 4-October 10, test positivity increased to 8.6% from 6.9% the previous week, according to IDPH. Test positivity indicates a warning when the 7-day test positivity rate rises above 8%.

“We are seeing cases among residents aged 45-79 increasing at a faster rate than other groups,” said Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamson. “As families and friends begin to plan holiday get-togethers, we need to remain vigilant and continue to wear a mask and limit our close contact with anyone who lives outside our home, even if that individual is a relative.”

To view the IDPH county-level risk map, visit the County Level COVID-19 Risk Metrics webpage. For additional data and resources specific to McHenry County, visit mcdh.info.

This press release was produced by the McHenry County Health Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.