SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Some edits to the Restore Illinois plan will allow for a quicker reopening of certain industries beginning in phase three of the plan, expected to take effect May 29 across the state.
“The experts have indicated we can build onto our plan to bring back more activities, faster, as long as Illinoisans continue to do as we have been doing, adhering to precautions and safety measures to keep each other safe,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
First on Pritzker’s list: bars and restaurants.
“After listening to and working with restaurant industry representatives, together with our epidemiologists, today, I’m announcing an additional option for bars and restaurants interested in resuming operations earlier: opening for outdoor seating when phase three begins,” he said.
Under the original plan, bars and restaurants were not supposed to be able to explore outdoor reopening until phase four.
He said restrictions will be in place, like tables being positioned six feet apart and away from sidewalks, and distancing measures for staff.
Pritzker said phase three permits all gatherings of ten people or fewer.
“That means if you want to go enjoy a picnic in the park or walk with nine other people, you can. Just remember to wear a mask or face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained,” he said.
Pritzker said that means outdoor activities like boating and camping with ten or fewer people will therefore be welcome, and the state will reopen indoor and outdoor tennis facilities, and foursomes can take part in golfing at the same time.
Additionally, all state parks will reopen when phase three begins, including concessions.
Pritzker said instructions on how other outdoor recreation like driving ranges, shooting ranges, and paintball courses will be able to proceed under phase three.
He said local governments have the jurisdiction to impose stricter guidelines if they deem it necessary.
Pritzker concluded with a warning.
“The virus has not gone away,” he cautioned.
“Other states that have thrown out restrictions and decided to just go without regulation are seeing rising cases and hospitalizations,” he added, reiterating the need for some guidelines to remain in place.
Pritzker also canceled an order saying criminal actions could be taken against businesses that defy the Restore Illinois plan.
In a data update, Illinois has surpassed 100,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
SNAP recipients can place online orders for groceries with approval from the federal government beginning June 2. Pritzker said this will be a permanent fix.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike with the Illinois Department of Public Health said the number of those hospitalized with COVID-19 are decreasing in Illinois.
Ezike also announced 2,388 additional confirmed cases of the virus were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing Illinois’s total to over 100,000 confirmed cases. 147 additional deaths were also reported, adding up to 4,525 deaths lives lost in the state related to COVID-19.
