The campaign will focus on counties in Illinois that are the most at risk of spiking cases.
On Monday, Gov. JB Pritzker introduced a new $5 million media campaign using the slogan “it only works if you wear it”, to promote mask awareness in Illinois areas most affected and at-risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.
Pritzker initially launched the campaign in Springfield following Sangamon County reached warning levels as identified by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The new campaign will focus on those counties that have reached similar levels, including: Cass, Jackson, Johnson, Perry, Saline, Jo Daviess, Gallatine, Randolph, White, and St. Clair.
Re-insurgences of the coronavirus in these counties have been associated with “school graduation ceremonies, a rise in cases among late teens and 20s, parties and social gatherings, people going to bars, long-term care outbreaks, clusters of cases associated with restaurants and churches, and big sports events including soccer, golf, and softball tournaments.” said the health department.
Furthermore, the campaign will re-direct focus and attention on “the latest trends in cases and mobility at the county level.”
Gov. Pritzker has also considered fining those who decide against wearing masks: “they’re putting other people at risk, so it’s worthy of considering a fine at a local level,” the governor said.
“We do not want the state or any region in the state moving backward so I’m imploring people to follow the guidelines,” Pritzker said last week. “We’re at a danger point, everybody. Pay attention. Now is the time to wear your mask properly.”
The federal-funded, bi-lingual multimedia campaign will transmit via radio, television, and social media channels, as well as billboards.
On Monday, Illinois recorded an additional 1,298 cases of the COVID-19 virus — elevating the positivity rate of the state to just above 4%. As of July 3, the state’s average was 2.6%.
See also: Chicago’s New Fleet Of E-Scooters Will Be Available Starting August 12
[Featured image: @enginakyurt via Unsplash]