SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has launched a new travel map to show the risk related to COVID-19 when travelling to different states and countries.
The map defines states and countries with case rates equal to or higher than 15 per 100,000 as higher risk than those below 15 per 100,000.
As of early Monday afternoon, 17 states are considered higher risk when travelling. Illinois currently sits at 14 cases per 100,000.
Outside of North and South America, there are no countries considered high risk as it relates to COVID-19, according to the travel map.
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said that there is still risk when travelling to lower risk areas.
“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,” said Ezike. “We encourage people who are traveling, whether for work or otherwise, to check out the map before making plans.”
IDPH reminds residents that airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces.
The travel map can be found HERE.
