The state is on track to fully reopen next month, according to officials
Published May 8, 2021 •
Updated on May 10, 2021 at 9:14 am
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Currently in Phase 4 of its reopening plan, Illinois is preparing to enter the Bridge Phase next week, which is a transitional period before the final Phase 5.
The Bridge Phase will begin May 14, allowing for higher capacity limits at places like museums, zoos and spectator events as well as increased business operations during a transitional period between the current guidelines and a full reopening. Don t miss local breaking news and weather! Download our mobile app for iOS or Android
May 6, 2021
The Bridge Phase is upon us.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday that the entire state will move into the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois Reopening plan on Friday May. 14.
The Bridge Phase allows for expanded capacity limits for businesses and gatherings. This is the last stage before Phase 5, which would be a complete return to normalcy.
But Pritzker adds that barring any significant reversals in key COVID-19 statewide indicators, Illinois could enter Phase 5 as soon as Friday, June 11th.
The Pritzker administration says this decision is being made as “Illinois continues to outpace national vaccination rates and COVID-19 trends across the state stabilize following recent upticks.”
Peoria health leaders confident about Bridge Phase, but still urge caution
Unmute
PEORIA (WEEK) - Governor Pritzker announced Thursday that looser restrictions a little over a week away, and Peoria residents are eager to get out there in bigger numbers. I m excited. Good time too, coming before summer, Bradley student Ian Hamann said. A lot of people like to be active - see the friends and family. So, I think it should be good. Just being outside - maybe I ll go shopping or something, Bradley student Conner Ogle said. Just (doing) something I haven t done in a while because I haven t been able to.
Dalton Kemper/1470-100.3 WMBD
CHICAGO Illinois Gov. JB Pritkzer Thursday announced Illinois will move into the Bridge Phase of Restore Illinois on Friday, May 14, making a full reopening possible as soon as June 11.
“The light we can see at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter,” said Pritkzer. “For restaurants, bars, retail, and public gatherings, this means higher capacity limits.”
Barring any significant reversals, Phase 5 will be achieved as soon as Friday, June 11.
Pritzker said CDC guidelines will continue to be followed in Phase 5, such as wearing masks in public areas.
“I want to thank people across Illinois who are continuing to do their part to make your friends and family safer,” said Pritkzer. “If we’re going to truly end [the pandemic], we have to make sure we don’t see another surge in the virus.