Illinois is poised to move into the “Bridge Phase” by May 14, according to Gov. JB Pritzker.
The bridge phase is a 28-day period that will allow for higher capacity limits and increased business operations before Pritzker fully reopens the state. Barring any significant reversals in the state’s key COVID-19 indicators, that move could come as soon as June 11.
The state has been working towards the loosening of mitigations since early April.
The goal was to vaccinate over 70 percent of the 65 and older population, and have over 20 percent ICU bed capacity available. Eighty-five percent of people 65 and older in the state have at least one shot, but the number of rising hospitalizations and deaths have kept the state from moving forward over the month.
Mask requirements would stay in place until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends lifting them.
Within the Bridge Phase:
Dining
Seated areas: Patrons ≥ 6 feet apart; parties ≤ 10
Standing areas: 30% capacity indoors; 50% capacity outdoors
Health and fitness
60% capacity
Group fitness classes of 50 or fewer indoors or 100 or fewer outdoors.
Offices
60% capacity
Personal care
60% capacity
Retail and service counter
60% capacity
Amusement parks
60% capacity
Festivals and general admission outdoor spectator events
30 people per 1,000 sq. ft.
Flea and farmers markets
Indoor: 15 people per 1,000 sq. ft.
Outdoor: 30 people per 1,000 sq.ft.
Film production
60% capacity
Meetings, conferences, and conventions
Lesser of 1,000 people or 60% capacity ^
Museums
60% capacity
Recreation
Indoor: Lesser of 100 people or 50% capacity
Outdoor: Maximum groups of 100; multiple groups permissible
Social events
Indoor: 250 people
Outdoor: 500 people
Spectator events
60% capacity
Theaters and performing arts
60% capacity
Zoos
60% capacity
