What Can Open May 29 In Illinois?

ILLINOIS — While the coronavirus pandemic is far from over — that likely won't happen until there's a widely distributed vaccine — there's some good news when it comes to fighting the virus and keeping the economy afloat. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said the entire state is on track to be able to move into phase 3 of the five-phase Restore Illinois reopening plan on May 29, which is the same day the extended stay-at-home order ends.

What does that mean?

Well, simply put, it means the state is hitting case count benchmarks that allow for a loosening of restrictions. So what can reopen?

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Here's a look at which local businesses and locations can reopen — and what activities can resume — with health and safety precautions under phase 3.

1. Bars that offer dining and restaurants can reopen for dine-in customers on outdoor patios only. To reopen their patios, bars and eateries must ensure that tables are at least 6 feet apart and are away from sidewalks. Servers will be required to wear face masks and maintain social distancing.

Pritzker said state health officials feel outdoor dining is safer than indoor dining, and have given Illinois the OK to "bring back more activities faster as long as Illinoisans have been doing what we have been doing." Pritzker also encouraged local mayors to "whatever is in their power" to help businesses expand their outdoor seating, including potentially closing down streets to allow social distancing to be maintained for outdoor diners.

But Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said businesses in the city will not be ready for outdoor drinking and dining by May 29.

2. Barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo shops and other personal care businesses — social distancing and sanitization practices in place.

3. All retail stores, which must also maintain social distancing and IDPH-approved sanitation, capacity limits and safety guidance. Stores will have to have spacing and barriers at checkouts.

4. Gyms will be allowed to offer outdoor fitness classes with 10 people or fewer and one-on-one personal training.

5. All state parks as well as boating/camping with up to 10 people, as well as outdoor tennis courts with safety precautions and capacity limits.

6. All gatherings of 10 people or fewer. This is subject to change based on data and guidance from state health officials.

7. Golf courses with four people per tee. Carts will also be permitted with one person per cart, or one immediate household per cart.

8. Education and child care. Remote learning in preschool to grade 12 schools and higher education can resume, as well as limited child care and summer programs, with IDPH-approved sanitation and safety guidance.

9. Businesses such as offices will have to have barriers between desks, hand sanitizer stations and visuals with safety reminders for employees. Employees will be asked to wear face coverings, and some companies may require staff to undergo a health screening before entering.