EAST ST. LOUIS – To help slow the spread of the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Metro East, State Senator Christopher Belt urges residents to wear a mask and continue to social distance.

“If residents do not do their part in protecting themselves and other community members, we will not be able to stop the amount of people who get the virus,” Belt said. “Residents need to continue to wear a mask and properly social distance to keep ourselves and loved ones safe.”

This week, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health announced new COVID-19 resurgence mitigations that were implemented in Region 4 Wednesday following a 7-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8% or higher for three consecutive days.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has imposed stricter rules on bars and restaurants, including:

• Bars and restaurants must close at 11 p.m. and may not serve patrons indoors.
• Patrons may not stand or congregate while waiting for a table or exiting.
• All tables should be 6 feet apart, and different parties may not be seated at the same table.
• Reservations are required for each party to assist with contact tracing in case of an outbreak.

To find the full list of resurgence mitigations click here.