CHESTER (WSIL) -- New mitigation measures are in place as Governor JB Pritzker notes an uptick in spread of the virus in Region 4, which includes Randolph county.
Cathy Rinne is a regular at St. Nicholas Landmark in Chester, Illinois, a place she's afraid she may lose to the coronavirus pandemic.
"We're in danger of losing a lot of charming little places like this, and it's really going to hurt our community when they're gone.
She's worried about new measures being taken by the state, that will affect businesses in Randolph County.
"As of Today, Metro East, Region 4 of our Restore Illinois Plan, will operate under stricter mitigations," said Governor Pritzker during Wednesday's COVID-19 press conference.
"I'm not sure he's really got his thumb on the pusle of southern Illinois, and I really am not sure he understands what his mandates are doing to our local economy," says Rinne.
Pritzker says new mitigation attempts come after evidence of increasing spread of the virus in the region.
"Until we get it under control, either by people following the doctor recommended mitigations, or with an effective treatment, or a vaccine, we are going to be fighting for our economic recovery with one hand tied behind our back."
The IDPH says they will continue to monitor the region over the next 14 days, to see if any changes to mitigation are warranted.
You can find updated information in regards to all regions .
Current restrictions in place for region 4 can be reviewed .
