ROCHELLE — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and state health officials announced Tuesday that Region 1 of the IDPH healthcare map, which includes Winnebago, DeKalb, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Whiteside, Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Lee counties, will see additional COVID-19 restrictions beginning Saturday, Oct. 3.

The new mitigations come after Region 1 saw a seven-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8 percent or higher for three consecutive days, which exceeds the threshold set for establishing mitigation measures under the state’s Restore Illinois Resurgence Plan. The new mitigations do not currently apply to schools.

“The concerning uptick in Region 1’s positivity – jumping more than two percentage points in two weeks even as the majority of Illinois continues to see downward trends – demands increased efforts to stop the spread in our northwestern counties,” Pritzker said. “As other regions have demonstrated, stricter mitigations will lead to safer communities when people mask up, keep their distance, wash their hands and respect public health. It is my hope that the residents of Region 1 can turn this situation around quickly.”

Region 1’s positivity rate will be tracked by the IDPH to determine if and when restrictions can be relaxed or if additional restrictions are required. Region 1 can return to Phase 4 guidelines under the Restore Illinois Plan if the positivity rate averages less than or equal to 6.5 percent for three consecutive days.

If the positivity rate averages between 6.5 and 8 percent, the new restrictions will remain unchanged. More restrictions can be applied if the positivity rate averages more than or equal to 8 percent after 14 days.

The COVID-19 restrictions taking effect on Saturday, Oct. 3 for bars include no indoor service, no standing or dancing indoors, no seating of multiple parties at one table and no standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting. All outside bar service must close at 11 p.m. and all bar patrons should be seated at tables outside. Tables should be 6 feet apart and reservations will be required for each party.

The COVID-19 restrictions taking effect on Saturday, Oct. 3 for restaurants include no indoor dining or bar service, no seating of multiple parties at one table and no standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting. All outdoor dining must close at 11 p.m. and outside dining tables should be 6 feet apart. Reservations will be required for each party.

The COVID-19 restrictions taking effect on Saturday, Oct. 3 for meetings, social events and gatherings include limiting to lesser of 25 guests or 25 percent of overall room capacity and no party buses. Gaming and casinos must close at 11 p.m., be limited to 25 percent capacity and follow restrictions for bars and restaurants, if applicable.