Kane County removed from state's COVID-19 Warning List

Because of significant improvement in COVID-19 warning indicators, the Illinois Department of Public Health removed Kane County from its warning list today.

The warning list designation occurs when two of the six metrics identified by the state reach the warning level.

For Kane County, the two measures that were above the set threshold included the new case rate and number of deaths.

The new case rate in Kane County reported by IDPH for the week ending Aug.15 is now 80 per 100,000 population, down from 105 per 100,000 the previous reporting period.

The goal is to be below 50 per 100,000.

The adjusted deaths for the week ending August 15 is -1, which trigged the removal of Kane County from the warning list.

There were seven deaths reported by IDPH during the prior week, up from five the previous week and four the week before that.

The warning level for this measure occurs when there are two consecutive weeks with more than a 20% increase.

Kane County is meeting stated thresholds for other measures.

Kane County Health Department Executive Director Barbara Jeffers applauds the efforts of the community in restoring the county to acceptable measures.

"We appreciate the community's efforts in reducing the spread of this virus, but caution that we should remain vigilant," Jeffers said. "COVID-19 remains in our communities, so we must continue practicing our social guidance to reduce the impact in our schools, homes and businesses."

Guidance includes wearing a face covering, maintaining 6 ft. social distance, washing hands frequently, avoiding large gatherings, and staying home when you are ill.

This week, the Kane County Health Department added additional full-time contract tracing staff to conduct investigations and provide tracing activities.

The department's goal is to respond to every case within 24 hours of identification so staff can quickly provide guidance to ill and potentially exposed residents.

The health department is also augmenting its ability to respond to resident concerns about businesses that may not be taking steps to protect customers and employees.

Residents with concerns about COVID compliance can report their concerns by calling (630) 208-3801 or e-mailing COVIDConcerns@co.kane.il.us.

The health department is working with the Kane County Sheriff's Office and States Attorney to investigate and enforce violations.

For more information, see the Kane County Health Department website at KaneHealth.com.