Gov. Pritzker Lifts All Capacity Limits As Phase 5 Begins Friday

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois will move into the fifth and final phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan Friday, just over 13 months since the phased coronavirus reopening was first announced, the governor's office confirmed.

The move comes as the state's rate of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have fallen to their lowest level since the early weeks of the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois.

As of Thursday, the Illinois Department of Public Health, or IDPH, reported a test positivity rate of 1.3 percent, with 366 new confirmed or probable cases and 764 coronavirus patients in the state's hospitals.

More than 68 percent of Illinois adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and more than half are fully vaccinated, according to the governor's office, which cited data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that reflects Illinois residents who received out-of-state jabs.

“A strong economy requires that people not only feel safe, but truly be safe, as they go about their lives as workers, neighbors, consumers, and friends — and thanks to the lifesaving power of vaccinations, that day is finally here for Illinois,” Pritzker said in a statement.

State guidelines allow fully vaccinated Illinois residents to go maskless except on public transportation, in congregate living facilities and health care settings — or where required by individual businesses or institutions, including detention facilities, shelters and schools.

All unvaccinated people should wear face coverings in any indoor or outdoor setting, especially when youth are present, according to the governor's office.

With attendance limits lifted, large events like sports, festivals, conferences and social gatherings have been cleared to resume.

Municipalities and private businesses may impose stricter public health measures, including local mask mandates or their own capacity restrictions.

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike warned the virus will continue to be able to spread among people who are unvaccinated, which could lead to more mutations — and more contagious or dangerous variants.

“It is a very exciting time as we reach the point where businesses can operate without capacity limits and we are seeing the return of large events we’ve enjoyed in the past,” Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the state health director, said in the statement.

“However, it is important to remember that we are still in a world pandemic and not everyone has the protection of one of the safest and most effective vaccines ever. Currently, there is not a vaccine authorized for children younger than 12 years and some adults have chosen not to be vaccinated," Ezike added. "For these reasons, it is important for unvaccinated people to continue to wear masks while in public and to socially distance."

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The governor established the five-phase Restore Illinois plan on May 5, 2020. It divided the state into 11 regions, which were based on existing multi-county emergency medical districts outside of the Chicago area and county boundaries within it.

Phase 5 of the plan is called "Illinois Restored." In March, Pritzker added a sixth phase called "Bridge to Phase 5," which began on May 14, and linked full reopening to the state's vaccination rate.

“I invite all Illinoisans to feel the hope and joy of this moment while also recognizing that this pandemic is still very present for the world at large — not to mention those here at home who have not been or cannot be vaccinated," Pritzker said. "As we take this next step forward, let’s do so with a renewed commitment to empathy, to community, and to making each day together count. You did it, Illinois."