Illinois: What guidelines remain in effect in Phase 5?

Illinois is scheduled to fully reopen next week, but some guidelines will still remain in place.

Governor J. B. Pritzker introduced guidelines for Phase 5.

What is Phase 5 and when does it begin?

According to the governor, entering Phase 5 on June 11 „will mean that businesses, large events, conventions, amusement parks, and other spectator venues, among other things, will be able to operate at full capacity for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.“.

Illinois will also lift outdoor mask mandates in schools in accordance with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

„After an exceptionally challenging year, Illinois has now reached a decisive moment in our efforts to defeat COVID-19,“ Pritzker said.

„Thanks to the hard work of residents across the state, Illinois will soon resume life as we knew it—returning to events, gatherings, and a fully open economy, with some safety guidelines we have adopted,“ added Governor Pritzker.

What changes in phase 5?

Upon entering Phase 5, fully vaccinated people may resume activities without wearing a mask, unless otherwise required by federal, state, local, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.

In phase 5, all economic sectors can resume operations at full capacity.

The fifth phase also marks the return of traditional conventions, festivals, and major events without capacity restrictions.

Gatherings of all sizes may resume in all industrial settings, and phase 5 removes the requirements for businesses to implement mandatory physical distancing in seating areas, as well as daily health screenings for employees and visitors.

Which guidelines remain in force?

Illinois will continue to recommend face masks for unvaccinated individuals, as well as for all individuals on airplanes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation.

This includes airports, railway and bus stations, shared facilities such as correctional institutions, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, group homes and residential buildings.

Also, wearing masks is mandatory in healthcare institutions.

Businesses and venues should continue to facilitate physical distancing to the extent possible, especially indoors.

Businesses and venues may also continue to implement additional public health mitigation measures that they deem appropriate, including mask requirements.

Illinois is entering phase 5 next week, specifically on June 11. Chicago will fully open with the rest of Illinois.

You can find more information here.

SOURCE: NBC 5 CHICAGO PHOTO: UNSPLASH