Illinois will soon be just one step away from a full reopening after the pandemic.
Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health announced today that the state will be entering the “bridge phase” of its reopening plan, which is halfway between phase 4 and phase 5, which is the full reopening stage.
The bridge phase will allow 60 percent capacity at most businesses and entertainment venues, as well as sporting events. If case rates and hospitalizations continue to decline over the next month, then the state could fully reopen by June 11th. Many Vermilion County businesses, churches and social events have already returned to full capacity.
IDPH also announced a plan this afternoon for small, private doctors’ offices to begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to their patients. Currently, more than 60 percent of state residents have received at least one vaccine dose, including 85 percent of seniors.
More than 1,000 doctors’ offices around the state have already signed up to administer vaccines. Walmart and CVS have also announced that they are offering walk-in appointments at their stores in the state.
