Today, Governor Pritzker announced details on a "BRIDGE PHASE" between the current Phase 4 and the coming Phase 5. Following is a summary:
All regions of the state will move forward together rather than utilizing a regional approach, as in previous phases.
The bridge phase starts once 70% of residents 65 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine and barring any reversals in our COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths for a 28-day monitoring period. Currently, 58% of those 65 and up have received their first dose.
The bridge phase will allow for higher capacity limits and increased business operations.
Individuals fully vaccinated or with negative COVID-19 test 1 - 3 days before will not count against capacity limits.
Phase 5 will be implemented once 50% of residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine and stable or declining COVID-19 metrics are recorded during a 28-day monitoring period. Currently, 28% of those 16 and older have received their first dose.
The state’s mask mandate will be lifted when the CDC recommends it.
Vaccine Eligibility Update: All Illinoisans age 16 and up will become eligible for the vaccine on Monday, April 12. Before Monday, April 12, additional populations will become eligible to ensure Illinois’ more vulnerable and exposed residents are prioritized. IAPA members should encourage employees to be vaccinated once eligible. Most workers in the highway construction industry would be considered eligible under 1C group of other essential workers. Illinois has an electronic map showing the latest vaccination sites.