The governor’s plan didn’t originally see bars and restaurants reopening until Phase 4.
Illinois’ bars and restaurants will now be able to open for outdoor seating on May 29, Governor JB Pritzker announced earlier today.
May 29 marks the beginning of the state’s transition into Phase 3 of Pritzker’s Restore Illinois reopening plan. Previously, that phase would allow for the reopening of additional non-essential manufacturing and businesses, such as barbershops, salons, health and fitness clubs, and limited child care and summer programs in adherence to social distancing requirements.
Now, the transition will also include the reopening of bars and restaurants for patio seating, as Governor Pritzker announced in his daily press briefing today:
“After listening to and working with restaurant industry representatives together with our epidemiologists, today, I’m announcing an additional option for bars and restaurants interested in resuming operations earlier: opening for outdoor seating when phase three begins, likely for everyone just nine days from now.”
The governor’s Restore Illinois plan will see the reopening of the state region-by-region, as of now, every region is meeting the necessary criteria in order to transition into Phase 3 on May 29. The plan gives room for some regions to base their reopening decisions locally, including Chicago, in which Mayor Lori Lightfoot has cast doubt on the idea of reopening bars and restaurants before June.
“We are, by no means, out of the woods,” the governor said.
Dine-in options for bars and restaurants will be available for outdoor seating only while in accordance with social distancing measures, including a 6-feet separation of tables with employees and customer wearing masks. This measure subject to the decision of local municipalities.
[Featured image @jsycra via Unsplash]