2020/07/27 - Mayor's Column: Help Defeat COVID
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
The Illinois Department of Public Health is monitoring key indicators to identify early but significant increases of COVID-19 transmission in Illinois, potentially signifying resurgence. Once a region meets resurgence criteria, then mitigation options from a tiered menu will be considered by the State of Illinois. If sustained increases in health metrics continue unabated, further mitigations could be added from additional tiers.
Region Four, which includes the City of O’Fallon has seen increased COVID positivity rate and increased hospital admissions. Governor Pritzker has gone on record that unless our region is more successful in stemming the increase in new coronavirus cases, the state would have to step in, and business closures and restrictions will be reinstated.
If the State has to step in, they have indicated that they would put into place mitigation options that could include reduction or elimination of indoor dining, salons and personal care, suspension of all in-person or non-essential retail, and limits on gatherings. These mitigation options are similar to what O’Fallon had to go through during Phase 3 and Phase 2 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan.
While these previous State measures helped curve the spread of COVID-19, they had an enormous economic toll on the City of O’Fallon, its residents, and businesses. A return to these tighter restrictions would cause greater hardship and heartache during these already difficult times.
The Governor has stated, it is now up to us to stop the increase in new COVID cases. At this time, the COVID testing positivity rate in St. Clair County is 25% above the maximum rate (8%) required to stay in Phase 4 type operations. We are also seeing increased cases and positivity rates in other parts of our region which are just slightly below that maximum threshold. If we do not act to help slow down the positivity rate, the State has said it will take measures that will have a lasting impact to our community and region.
I know that some people object to wearing masks, but we need to ask you to take all precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help keep our citizens safe, and our businesses open. Please wear a mask or face covering when in public and practice social distancing. Wash your hands. And, if you feel sick, please stay at home. This is our fight and only with all of us working together are we going to win it. Having the State shut down our businesses again is not a good option and could be devastating to many.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open (virtually, at least)!