CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritkzer Thursday announced Illinois will move into the Bridge Phase of Restore Illinois on Friday, May 14, making a full reopening possible as soon as June 11.
“The light we can see at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter,” said Pritkzer. “For restaurants, bars, retail, and public gatherings, this means higher capacity limits.”
Barring any significant reversals, Phase 5 will be achieved as soon as Friday, June 11.
Pritzker said CDC guidelines will continue to be followed in Phase 5, such as wearing masks in public areas.
“I want to thank people across Illinois who are continuing to do their part to make your friends and family safer,” said Pritkzer. “If we’re going to truly end [the pandemic], we have to make sure we don’t see another surge in the virus.
“The best way to do that is for everyone to get vaccinated.”
The Governor and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike also announced an expansion of the COVID-19 vaccine administration plan to include private doctors’ offices and small medical providers, which can now begin to order and administer COVID-19 vaccine directly to patients.
Thus far, 60% of adult residents have received their first dose, including 85% of residents ages 65 and older.
To further expand vaccine accessibility, state-run vaccination sites will now accept walk-ins in addition to pre-booked appointments.
