As the IMA reported yesterday, Governor Pritzker released
Restore Illinois
, a five-phase, data-driven plan designed to reopen the state’s economy utilizing science and public health data. The plan is based on regional healthcare availability and establishes four healthcare regions, each with the ability to independently move through a phased approach: Northeast Illinois; North-Central Illinois; Central Illinois; and Southern Illinois.
The five phases of reopening for each of the four health regions are as follows:
Phase 1 – Rapid Spread:
The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital is high or rapidly increasing. Strict stay at home and social distancing guidelines are put in place and only essential businesses remain open. Every region has experienced this phase once already and could return to it if mitigation efforts are unsuccessful. Phase 1 includes strict stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines, and only essential businesses remain open. Every region has experienced Phase 1 and could return to it if mitigation efforts are unsuccessful.
Phase 2 – Flattening:
The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital beds and ICU beds increases at an ever slower rate, moving toward a flat and even a downward trajectory. Non-essential retail stores reopen for curb-side pickup and delivery. Illinoisans are directed to wear a face covering when outside the home, and can begin enjoying additional outdoor activities like golf, boating and fishing while practicing social distancing. To varying degrees, every region is experiencing flattening as of early May.
Phase 3 – Recovery:
The rate of infection among those tested, the number of patients admitted to the hospital, and the number of patients needing ICU beds is stable or declining.
Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions.
All gatherings limited to 10 or fewer people are allowed. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
Phase 4 – Revitalization:
The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital continues to decline. All gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed, restaurants and bars reopen, travel resumes, child care and schools reopen under guidance from the IDPH. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
All manufacturing can open with Illinois Department of Public Health approved safety guidance
.
Phase 5 – Illinois Restored:
With a vaccine or highly effective treatment widely available or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period, the economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing. Conventions, festivals and large events are permitted, and all businesses, schools, and places of recreation can open with new safety guidance and procedures in place reflecting the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Daily COVID-19 Results
Governor JB Pritzker held his daily press conference and announced:
- There are 2,270 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois.
- There are a total of 2,974 deaths related to coronavirus in Illinois, including 136 additional deaths announced today.
- A total of 68,232 cases have been confirmed in at least 97 of the 102 counties. These numbers include many individuals who have already recovered.
- There have been 361,260 individuals tested for coronavirus in Illinois.
Press Conference Key Updates
- Today's press conference focused on support for the Latino community who are testing positive for COVID-19 at a higher rate than any other community in the state. The Governor noted that the state is working with community health centers and welcoming centers that offer a variety of services, information and bilingual support. To locate a welcome center, one can visit Dhs.illinois.gov/helpishere and click "help at home." Additionally, all state drive-thru testing sites offer language support for Spanish speakers.
- As a reminder, temporary housing options are available for individuals who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or tested positive themselves. Thousands of hotel rooms have been secured across the state and are offered free of charge for those who need to self-isolate. This service can be accessed by contacting the county or city public health departments.
Employer Resources & Programs
On Friday, May 8, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm CST, the IMA will be hosting a webinar on
"
Getting Back to Work: Managing Your Remote Workforce
."
COVID-19 has caused many employers to make changes to their standard processes and procedures, including shifting their employees from working in the office to working from home. While this work arrangement can help employers and employees stay healthy, it can be challenging for both to navigate. To register for this webinar, please
click here
.
- Reducing risk in the workplace
- When to return and reopen - who comes back?
- What to do if someone tests positive
- Communications – How to share with employees everything the company is doing to keep them safe
- The 2nd Wave
