Illinois restaurants, state parks and golf get boost in revised Restore Illinois plan

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Wednesday that Illinois restaurants and bars will be able to reopen with outdoor seating in Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan.

The announcement came alongside other modifications to Phase 3 after epidemiologists and restaurant industry representatives worked together to open parts of the economy that has been operating with limitations since mid-March.

Currently, all four of Illinois’ health regions are on track to meet IDPH standards, allowing regions to move from Phase 2 to Phase 3 beginning on May 29.

“The experts have indicated that we can build onto our plan to bring back more activities, faster, as long as Illinoisans continue to do as we have been doing adhering to precautions and safety measures to keep each other safe,” Pritzker said.

“Epidemiologists now believe that summer offers us an opportunity, if proper precautions are taken by businesses, and their patrons.”

Focused on keeping employees and patrons safe, outdoor seating will need to be six-feet apart and away from sidewalks. Guests and employees will be required to wear face masks, unless eating.

“Experts believe that these services can open at a risk comparable to other outdoor activities and give our hospitality industry, a much needed boost as they work to keep their businesses on their feet during this terrible crisis,” Pritzker said.

Local officials were encouraged to help restaurants to expand their outdoor seating, possibly by closing streets or parking lots. 

“We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of creativity, from every corner of the state throughout this crisis and I have no doubt that Illinois will continue that spirit, as we pave our way forward looking ahead,” he said.

Pritzker outlined additional outdoor opportunities over the summer months.

Illinoisians will be allowed to gather in groups of 10 or less with face masks when social distancing is not possible. 

Camping and boat rides with 10 people will be allowed when each region hits Phase 3. Indoor and outdoor tennis facilities can open, and foursomes will be allowed on a golf course. Pritzker also said golf carts can be used, with limitations of one patron or two family members per cart.

All state parks will also be opened in Phase 3.

“Additionally, in the coming days, we will be providing guidance on how other outdoor recreational businesses, such as driving ranges, outdoor shooting ranges and paintball courses can safely open their doors in Phase 3,” he said.

From the very beginning Phase 3 also allowed for nail salons, beauty salons, spas, tattoo shops and barber shops to reopen under IDPH guidelines. 

Health clubs could also reopen with one-on-one training or groups of 10 or less in an outdoor setting. 

Retail businesses, that were nonessential in Phase 1 and 2 can also welcome customers under guidance from IDPH.

Pritzker said that more specific guidance for all businesses will come later this week.

“I want to be clear that local governments have every right to establish stricter guidance to local businesses or for local recreation in any of these areas,” Pritzker said. “If they believe it would be in the best interests of the people that they represent.”

Chicago’s Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said that Chicago’s schedule for reopening may be delayed.

Champaign-Urbana’s Public Health Director Julie Pryde spoke at the Gov.’s daily press conference, saying that Champaign County officials are already looking for ways to help local businesses.

“Our local community partners are combining their entrepreneurial creativity with public health infection control guidance to craft innovative solutions for the challenging times that we find ourselves, new partnerships are being formed and old partnerships are being strengthened,” she said. “There will likely be some changes made to how we do things as a society, long after the pandemic is over, not because they are required, but because they work better.

“Innovations made to accommodate social distancing and outdoor dining, such as reservations and closing streets to expand seating may become the new way of life in our downtown districts, even after the pandemic ends.”

Pritzker reminded the people of Illinois, “The virus has not gone away. Other states that have thrown out restrictions and decided to just go without regulation are seeing rising cases and beginning to see rising hospitalizations. Here in Illinois we have followed the science, and we’re succeeding. But we can’t let up now. 

“We’ve come too far and we’ve made so much progress because we kept social distance, worn face coverings in public, washed our hands frequently and are taking care of our most vulnerable to the best of our ability. We must persevere, Illinois. This road is a long one.”