The local area continues to deal with rising positivity rates as the COVID-19 cases surge. Both Region 6 and 7 showed increasing numbers Friday.

The Region 6 positivity rate Friday was at 10.6% Region 6 includes Iroquois, Ford, Champaign and Vermilion counties. Individually, Iroquois’ rate was 14 percent -- after 39 new positive cases were added. Public Health now reports 692 confirmed cases in Iroquois County.

Ford County Public Health reported its 16th COVID death, a woman in her 90’s.

The Region 7 positivity rate came in at 14.2 percent Friday. The Region includes Kankakee and Will Counties. (Kankakee was at 12.9 percent, Will at 14.6) Region 7 has risen every day since October 28.

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