SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gov. J.B. Pritzker reiterated Friday all of Illinois looks on-track to move next Friday to phase three of Restore Illinois.
With that, Pritzker emphasized childcare.
“If we don’t have childcare, a large portion of the workforce will be unable to move forward,” he said.
He said Illinois will take a cautious approach to expanding childcare.
From 80 stakeholders, including public health experts and childcare experts, he said, the state gathered information.
He said all 5,500 childcare providers not currently open will be asked to reopen upon their respective region’s advancement to phase three.
No more than 10 kids per classroom will be allowed for the first four weeks.
Speaking to religious services, he said outdoor faith services, including drive-thru churches, will be welcome in phase three.
“I know worship is as essential as food and water for most of us,” he said.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,758 new cases of coronavirus.
There were 110 new deaths, including a male in his 50s from Peoria County.
The totals increased to 105,444 cases and 4,715 deaths.
The rolling statewide rate of positive cases went down to 13% between May 13 and 19.
