Illinois has been working to fully reopen from COVID-19 restrictions, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker calls “Phase 5.” Now it turns out there is a “Phase 4.5.”

He and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced March 18 what they called a “bridge phase.”

“Rather than flipping a switch and saying we’re now in Phase 5, we’re looking at it more like a dial – dialing back some of the capacity restrictions that helped reduce transmission, and ultimately the number of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths,” Ezike said. “We don’t want to move too quickly and risk a significant reversal of our progress.”

One of the keys to reaching the bridge is that 70% of Illinoisans age 65 and up have received at least one dose of the vaccine. That number stood at 61% on March 19, with 19% of the total population having received at least one dose.

Illinois reported a 2.5% positivity average for COVID-19 tests from the past seven days. There were 2,380 new COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths reported March 19.

Here’s what you need to know about Pritzker’s revised opening plan:

• The Bridge to Phase 5 will begin when 70% of Illinoisans 65 and older have received at least one dose of a vaccine. It will continue unless COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates statewide increase over a 28-day period

• Social events can have up to 250 attendees indoors or 500 attendees outdoors

• Conventions can host the lesser of 60% total capacity or 1,000 attendees

• Seated spectator events can host 60% total capacity indoors and outdoors

• Zoos and museums can host 60% of total capacity

• Seated indoor dining remains limited to 10 people per party

• Phase 5 will begin when 50% of Illinoisans 16 and older have been vaccinated or COVID-19 metrics decline over a 28-day period. That number was 19% on March 19.

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