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 On Friday, the state will eliminate all
capacity limits on businesses, large-scale events, conventions,
amusement parks, and all other venues. Mask requirements for
vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals continue to align with CDC
guidelines.
The state reaches this point as it records the lowest number of
people in the hospital with COVID-19 since the beginning of the
pandemic, the lowest test positivity rate, and more than 68% of
Illinois residents age 18 and over who have received at least one
dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“A strong economy requires that people not only feel safe, but truly
be safe, as they go about their lives as workers, neighbors,
consumers, and friends – and thanks to the lifesaving power of
vaccinations, that day is finally here for Illinois,” said Governor
JB Pritzker. “I invite all Illinoisans to feel the hope and joy of
this moment while also recognizing that this pandemic is still very
present for the world at large – not to mention those here at home
who have not been or cannot be vaccinated. As we take this next step
forward, let’s do so with a renewed commitment to empathy, to
community, and to making each day together count. You did it,
Illinois.”
Today the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting
366 new confirmed and probable cases, 764 people in the hospital
with COVID-19, and a test positivity rate of 1.3%. These are some of
the lowest COVID-19 statistics reported in Illinois to date.
Additionally, IDPH is reporting 209 people with COVID-19 in the ICU
and 103 people on ventilators. These are also some of the lowest
counts we’ve seen since the pandemic began.
Currently, 11.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been
administered to Illinois residents. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) is reporting more than 68% of residents age 18
and older in Illinois have received at least one dose of vaccine and
51% of adults are fully vaccinated. Additionally, more than 88% of
Illinois seniors have received at least one dose of vaccine.
“It is a very exciting time as we reach the point where businesses
can operate without capacity limits and we are seeing the return of
large events we’ve enjoyed in the past,” said IDPH Director Dr.
Ngozi Ezike. “However, it is important to remember that we are still
in a world pandemic and not everyone has the protection of one of
the safest and most effective vaccines ever. Currently, there is not
a vaccine authorized for children younger than 12 years and some
adults have chosen not to be vaccinated. For these reasons, it is
important for unvaccinated people to continue to wear masks while in
public and to socially distance. The virus can continue to spread
among unvaccinated individuals, which could lead to additional
mutations and new, more virulent variants.”
In accordance with guidance from the CDC, fully vaccinated people in
Illinois can resume activities without wearing a mask except where
required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws,
rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace
guidance.
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 Consistent with CDC guidance, fully vaccinated and
non-vaccinated persons are required to wear a face covering in
certain situations including (1) on public transportation, planes,
buses, trains, and in transportation hubs such as airports and train
and bus stations; (2) in congregate facilities such as correctional
facilities and homeless shelters; and (3) in health care settings.
Individuals in schools and day cares must also continue to wear face
coverings per guidance issued by the Illinois State Board of
Education, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and
the Illinois Department of Public Health.
According to the CDC, it is critical that schools use and layer
prevention strategies. Schools providing in-person instruction
should prioritize two prevention strategies:
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Universal and correct use of masks should be required; and
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Physical distancing should be maximized to the greatest extent
possible.
Municipalities and businesses in most industries
may choose to continue to implement public health mitigations as
they deem appropriate, including requiring face coverings.
To help businesses recover from the pandemic, the Governor, in
partnership with the General Assembly, announced $1.5 billion in
funding next year to support business grants, tourism, workforce,
affordable housing, violence prevention, capital projects and other
investments throughout Illinois. This investment follows the $580
million invested last year for Business Interruption grants to aid
businesses in pandemic impacted industries and childcare providers.
“Today’s advancement to Phase 5 is a significant milestone in our
work to combat the virus and get the Illinois economy back on track.
Through Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, we have continued
to lead on testing, vaccines and providing economic relief programs
that are essential to supporting the return of workers and
businesses amid the pandemic,” said Acting DCEO Director Sylvia
Garcia. “Now, as businesses are set to fully reopen across the
state, DCEO remains committed to implementing key programs that will
not only reinvigorate our small businesses, workforce, and tourism,
but that will build back our state's economy stronger than ever
before.”
Businesses and communities can learn more about Phase 5 recommended
public health practices by visiting IDPH's website.
[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker] |
