Kankakee Times

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the country, cases within Kankakee have been spiking at nationally-toped rates. 

Recent data collected by the New York Times analyzing the rates at which cases of coronavirus were spreading among U.S. cities shows Kankakee is rated as high as fifth nationally last week, and recently has descended to 15th. 

Ottawa-Peru, Springfield and Sterling, Illinois are cities that were also ranked in the top 25 nationally for COVID case increases. As 2020 comes to a close, cases and death totals are set to continue rising without concentrated action by communities. 

Counties in Illinois are among the top places listed for COVID-19 rate spikes | Stock Photo

In response to these figures, Kankakee County Health Administrator John Bevis released a statement across the department’s social media accounts. 

"This is a time to think of others. You may be healthy, but many others are at risk due to compromised immune systems and other serious (and sometimes not so serious) health conditions,” Bevis said in the statement.  

In addition to the available COVID testing, renewed restrictions have been enacted for Kankakee and Will counties. This includes gatherings of less than 10 people, and prohibiting indoor dining. 

Bevis also asked for community accountability, and to report restaurants and businesses that refuse to adhere to health requirements.  

“Follow the guidelines so we can so we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and get back to Phase 4. We all want to go back to the life we knew pre-COVID.” Bevin closed his letter, said. “Our goal is to gain compliance through education and support to make the Kankakee County community a safe place to be.” 

For any further information regarding COVID-19 guidelines, reporting violations, or other questions, people can contact the health department at 815-802-9400, or submit an email to info@kankakeehealth.org.