Doors open in Phase 4

Improved COVID-19 metrics moved Region 2—including Grundy County—back to Phase 4, lifting restrictions on indoor restaurant and bar service and expanded capacity at retail businesses and social events.
The move to Phase 4 came Monday with a three day positivity rate that fell below 6.5%, coupled with a continued increase in ICU bed availability and a steadily decreasing number of virus related hospitalizations.
A return to Phase 4 comes the same day the state transitioned to Phase 1b of vaccinations that includes people who are 65-years of age and older, as well as frontline workers, as defined by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP] and Illinois Department of Public Health [IDPH].
As of Monday, the state was reporting more than 1.66 million doses of the COVID vaccine have been received with 692,763 administered. According to IDPH, 2,388 doses have been delivered to Grundy County with 294 individuals being fully vaccinated at this time.
Anyone in Phase 1a [healthcare personnel] or Phase 1b who lives or works in Grundy County and is interested in vaccination is asked to complete an interest survey available at grundyhealth.com.
Residents should not expect to hear from the health department immediately after completing the survey, according to Michelle Pruim, the county’s public health administrator.
“As vaccine becomes available, health department staff will be reaching out via e-mail or phone to schedule an appointment. There is no need to call to confirm that your survey was received. Please know that there is more demand for than supply of vaccine, and it may take several months for all of Phase 1b persons to be vaccinated,” said Pruim, who asks for the community’s patience as the department works though the phases of vaccination.
Health officials continue to encourage the public to wear a face covering, maintain social distance and frequently wash their hands.
According to IDPH data, the county’s case count has reached 4,541 cases with 50 reported deaths.
The county reports it is currently following 249 people who have recently tested positive and are in isolation, as well as their close contacts.
Testing continues through local hospital systems based on available resources. Mobile testing units organized by IDPH continue throughout the state. Locally, free testing will be offered on Friday, Jan. 29 at the Kankakee County Health Department, 2390 W. Station St., Kankakee and Sunday, Jan. 31 at Plainfield Central High School, 24120 Fort Beggs Dr., Plainfield. Both mobile sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. while supplies last. Testing results are typically available within 4-7 days.