Coronavirus Hotspots: Illinois Creates Map For Travelers

ILLINOIS — With coronavirus cases surging across the country, even routine travel is a risky proposition. Airports, bus stations, commuter trains and rest areas — anywhere you come into contact with other people for a prolonged period of time — can easily become hotspots.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has created an online map to help Illinoisans more safely plan out-of-state trips. States with more than 15 cases per 100,000 residents are deemed higher risk for travel. The map shows higher risk states in purple and lower risk states in blue.

"Travel may increase the chance of becoming infected and spreading COVID-19," public health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement. "To help inform residents where they might be at greater risk of being exposed to COVID-19 when they travel, [the state health department] has launched a map that clearly shows states and other countries where case rates are elevated. While staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, we know that it may not be possible to avoid all travel. We encourage people who are traveling, whether for work or otherwise, to check out the map before making plans."

New Coronavirus Restrictions For Metro East As IL Cases Surge

Health officials say not to travel when you are sick, and to remember to wear a mask, keep 6 feet away from others and wash your hands frequently. Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary stops, and take special care when stopping for food, gas or bathroom breaks, or when moving through bus, train or airport terminals.

Health officials imposed new restrictions on bars and restaurants in the St. Louis Metro East over the weekend as positivity rates there shot past 8 percent for three days in a row.

State health officials on Monday announced 1,773 new cases of the coronavirus and 12 additional deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, bringing the statewide totals to 207,854 confirmed infections and 7,756 known deaths.

"If you haven't been taking this seriously yet, now is the time to start," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Saturday.