July 27, 2020 – Officials are warning of a concerning spike in COVID-19 cases in Macon County. That comes with a warning and a new Executive Order by the Mayor of Decatur to help stem the spread.
There have been 62 newly confirmed cases since Friday, says Brandi Binkley of the Macon County Health Department. In addition, those 62 individuals have been around others, risking further spread. Binkley stated that positivity rates are also now moving in the wrong direction. On June 26th, the positivity rate stood at 3.1%. “But thanks to diligence by many, that positivity rate decreased to 2.4%. But now we are seeing that number change at an alarming speed”. The positivity rate for Macon County is now at 2.69%.
Binkley stated that thought the county is doing more tests, that is not the reason for the uptick. “The more people are around one another, the more the cases will go up and we are now dealing with the reality of that. People are not taking this as seriously as they should.”
Binkley again stressed the need for social distancing, wearing a mask and proper handwashing techniques. “If our numbers go in the wrong direction under Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, we may go back a phase. We really need everyone to practice proactive measures to stem the spread of COVID-19. We know that under Phase 4, groups are allowed to gather in groups of 50. That may be allowed, but is it necessary?”
Tayna Andricks of Crossing Healthcare, an IDPH testing site, said they have been inundated with calls for tests. She said that crossing is testing 6 hours a day and 6 days a week and is concerned that they will not be able to keep up with the demand.
Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe reiterated that numbers are moving in the wrong direction. “and our businesses can’t go backward. I am imploring businesses to require masks and begging residents to wear them.
Because of the increase, the Mayor has issued an Executive Order which would allow for the liquor commissioner to pull licenses of businesses that disregard social distancing and allowed capacity. “I don’t want to have to do that. . to go to the liquor commissioner and pull those licenses, but I will if I have to.”
The executive order will remain in place until the next scheduled council meeting, where it could be extended by council vote.
The Decatur City Council has considered a penalty for not wearing a mask during Phase 2, however, the council dropped the measure to public outrage. The Mayor says it might be time to look at that measure again.
“This isn’t about you, it’s about protecting others around you. Make August different. Wear your mask. Save our Community and Save our Economy”, the Mayor implored.
Macon County Board Chairman Kevin Greenfield was blunter. ” Suck it up and wear a mask.”
Greenfield, who admitted that he too needs to practice better mask habits, relayed that in April he received a call from IEMA advising that the county be prepared to have 4 refrigerated trailers on hand to handle a possible rise in deaths due to COVID-19. “That scared the hell out of me”, he said. “And yes, that can happen. Please be courteous to other people and wear the damn mask.”
Watch a video of the press conference now:
.
