Governor Pritzker Announces Updates
to Phase 3 of Restore Illinois Plan in Consultation with Health
Experts
Bars and Restaurants Can Open for Outdoor
Seating, All State Parks to Open
Personal care services and all retail stores may open with safety
precautions in place
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[September 15, 2020]
Building on a robust, statewide effort to
ensure Illinois can safely reopen and following the data, science,
and guidance from public health experts and stakeholders across the
state, Governor Pritzker announced updates to Phase 3 of the state’s
Restore Illinois plan.
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“We are by no means out of the woods, but
directionally, things are getting better. And because of these
advances, we are able to make some modifications to allow more
activity during Phase 3 of our reopening plan Restore Illinois,”
said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our mission has always been to get
people back to work, get students back to school and return to as
much normalcy as possible without jeopardizing the health and safety
of Illinoisans.”
In the coming days, the state and IDPH will be issuing formal
industry-specific guidance, particularly around workplaces and
childcare, for business owners and employees in these and other
sectors.
Bars and Restaurants
With Phase 3, bars and restaurants will have the option to resume
operations for outdoor seating only. Tables must be six feet apart
and away from the sidewalks, masks and distancing measures for staff
must continue to be followed, and other precautions and guidance
will be issued.
These measures will allow restaurants to re-open at a risk
comparable to other outdoor activities, while giving the state’s
hospitality industry a much-needed boost.
Municipalities are encouraged to help restaurants and bars expand
their outdoor seating options.
To date, the administration has delivered over $14 million in small
business grants averaging $20,000 to 699 bars, restaurants, and
hotels across 270 individual cities in Illinois.
Outdoor Activities
With the start of phase 3, all state parks will reopen on May 29.
All concession will reopen as well under guidelines set for our
retail and food service businesses in Phase 3. Illinois will permit
the re-opening of indoor and outdoor tennis facilities with Illinois
Department of Public Health (IDPH) safety precautions and capacity
limits.
For golf, in Phase 3, courses can allow foursomes out on the same
tee times. Carts will also be permitted with one person per cart, or
one immediate household per cart.
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With the new ten person gathering limit for all
activities in Phase 3, boating or camping with up to ten people will
be permitted.
The state will be providing guidance on how other outdoor
recreational businesses, such as driving ranges, outdoor shooting
ranges, and paintball courses can safely open their doors in Phase
3.
Health Clubs, Retail, and Personal Care Services
In Phase 3, health clubs, gyms, and fitness studios can provide
one-on-one personal training in indoor facilities and outdoor
fitness classes of up to ten people.
Personal care services, like nail salons, tattoo shops, hair
braiders, spas and barbershops, can open with IDPH safety
precautions and capacity limits.
And all retail stores can open their doors to in-person shopping
with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits in place.
Local governments retain the right to establish stricter
restrictions in any areas.
“The Governor’s action to allow for expanded outdoor dining options
will benefit many restaurants at a time when every dollar counts and
provides a glimmer of light at the end of this long, COVID-19
tunnel. Innovative outdoor dining strategies extend a lifeline –
restoring jobs and offering guests the hospitality experience
they’ve been missing while prioritizing public health and safety.
Outdoor dining will not help every restaurant, but it is a
constructive step in the right direction,“ said Sam Toia, President
& CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association.
"The Allied Golf Associations of Illinois are grateful that we had
the opportunity to collaborate with the Governor's office to propose
safely lifting some of the restrictions that had been in place for
golf. The Phase 3 changes will allow more people to enjoy the
physical and mental benefits of the game, and do so in a way that is
safe for both golfers and facility staff," said Carrie Williams,
Executive Director of the Illinois PGA and Illinois PGA Foundation.
[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker] |