Yingling Highlights New COVID-19 Mitigation Plan

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – As COVID-19 cases in Illinois continue to increase, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is urging residents to help combat the spread of the virus by following the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) mitigation plan that went into effect on Nov. 20.

“Over the past few weeks, we have seen a massive spike in the number of people contracting the COVID-19 virus,” said Yingling. “With the increased threat that the virus is posing to our state, it is important that we all do everything we can to slow the spread of this disease. I ask that everyone reads and follows the new mitigation plan so we can keep everyone as safe as possible.”

In response to several metrics used to measure COVID-19’s effects on the state, IDPH has moved the state into Tier 3 of their mitigation plan. Under the new plan, bars and restaurants can no longer offer indoor dining. Indoor recreation centers, such as movie theatres, casinos, and museums will be closed, and many other settings such as retail, personal care services, indoor fitness centers, and more must operate at less than or equal to 25% capacity. In regards to the upcoming holiday season, in-home gatherings should be limited to only household members. For more information on the new plan, please visit https://www2.illinois.gov/IISNews/22356-Tier_3_Resurgence_Migitations.pdf

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Yingling has worked to keep residents healthy. During the previous legislative session, he supported a bill that included $719 million in new funding for public health, with $416 million of those funds going specifically to COVID-19 testing and other related services. Yingling also worked to bring immediate economic relief to residents by expanding unemployment benefits and protecting essential workers who have contracted the virus through additional worker’s compensation benefits.

“This new mitigation plan is an extremely important piece in slowing the spread of this virus,” said Yingling. “We must all do our part and stick to this plan so we can keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe.”