
Phase-4 Reopening Begins Today In Illinois, Here Are Some Details
Governor JB Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan moves into the next to last, and probably longest phase beginning today, so here's a quick primer on Phase-4 reopening.
You might be wondering why Phase-4 (Revitalization) will probably be the longest of the 5 phases in the plan. Well, in order for Phase-5 (Illinois Restored) to begin is with a vaccine, or a widely available and highly effective treatment, or with the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period.
Looking at our current situation, that may take a while.
In the meanwhile, here's a breakdown of what's going on with Phase-4, according to the Restore Illinois website:
Gatherings: Gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed with this limit subject to change based on latest data and guidance.
Travel: Travel should follow IDPH and CDC approved guidance
Health care: All health care providers are open
Education and child care: P-12 schools, higher education, all summer programs, and child care open with IDPH approved safety guidance
Outdoor Recreation: All outdoor recreation allowed
Businesses:
- Manufacturing: All manufacturing open with IDPH approved safety guidance
- “Non-essential” businesses: All employees return to work with IDPH approved safety guidance; Employers are encouraged to provide accommodations for COVID-19-vulnerable employees
- Bars and restaurants: Open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance
- Personal care services and health clubs: All barbershops, salons, spas and health and fitness clubs open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance
- Entertainment: Cinema and theaters open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance
- Retail: Open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance
How we move to the next phase:
Post-pandemic: Vaccine, effective and widely available treatment, or the elimination of new cases over a sustained period of time through herd immunity or other factors.
What could cause us to move back:
IDPH will closely monitor data and receive on-the-ground feedback from local health departments and regional healthcare councils and will recommend moving back to the previous phase based on the following factors:
- Sustained rise in positivity rate
- Sustained increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness
- Reduction in hospital capacity threatening surge capabilities
- Significant outbreak in the region that threatens the health of the region
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