Illinois is set to fully reopen this week and enter Phase 5 of the state's reopening plan Friday. While the phase is set to mark a full reopening, beginning on June 11, 2021, not all restrictions will be lifted.
Here's a breakdown of what's next, according to the state:
Upon entering Phase 5
Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
Under Phase 5, all sectors of the economy can resume at regular capacity.
Phase 5 also marks the return of traditional conventions, festivals, and large events without capacity restrictions. Large gatherings of all sizes can resume across all industry settings.
Phase 5 removes requirements that businesses institute mandatory social distancing in seated venues as well as daily health screenings of employees and visitors.
Here's what is still in place:
Illinois will continue to recommend face coverings for unvaccinated persons, as well as all individuals on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation; in transportation hubs, such as airports and train and bus stations; in congregate facilities such as correctional facilities, veterans’ homes, and long-term care facilities, group homes, and residential facilities; and in healthcare settings.
Businesses and venues should continue to allow for social distancing to the extent possible, especially indoors. Businesses and venues may also continue to put in place additional public health mitigations as they deem appropriate, including requiring face coverings.
As of last Friday, Illinois had reached a test positivity rate of less than 2%, with more than half of the population fully vaccinated, and hospitalization metrics declining since early May.
While the removal of occupancy limits and other rules represents a significant step forward in the COVID pandemic, state officials have cautioned residents that it is possible for the state to move back to previous phases in the following instances:
If hospital admissions for COVID-19 illnesses increase to more than 150 hospitalizations per day over a 10-day monitoring period.
If the number of COVID patients in hospitals climbs above 750 and stays there for more than 10 days.
If the state’s mortality rate increases and goes above a 0.1 daily average.
If ICU bed availability statewide drops below 20% over a 10-day monitoring period.
Go out and enjoy life again!
