Because we live in a state with a governor that follows public health guidance, Illinois will be gradually moving towards Phase 5 (no capacity limits) rather than flinging the doors wide open as some other states have. We are currently in Phase 4 of Restore Illinois, but as vaccination rates increase across the state, we will be moving into a “bridge phase”.
Once 70 percent of Illinois residents age 65 and older have received their first vaccine dose*, the bridge phase will begin, as long as hospitalization and death rates remain stable or declining. For the most part, the bridge phase allows businesses and events to operate with 60 percent rather than 50 percent capacity.
When 50 percent of Illinois residents age 16 and up receive their first vaccine dose*, and COVID metrics remain stable or declining, then all capacity limits will be removed for Phase 5.
Champaign County has already vaccinated more than 70 percent of those 65 and older, but we will have to wait for the rest of the state to catch up. As of last week, about 60 percent were vaccinated statewide.
You can read the full explanation of the phases here.
Top photo by Anna Longworth.
*Editor’s note: We initially stated individuals had to be fully vaccinated, which was incorrect.
