What does Phase 3 mean now?
In a press conference yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker made the big announcement that — after counseling with experts — bars and restaurants in Illinois would be able to-reopen for outdoor seating in May 29.
“The experts have indicated we can build on our plan to bring back more activities faster, as long as Illinoisans continue to do as we have, adhering to precautions & safety measures to keep each other safe,” the governor wrote on Facebook.
As previously mentioned: Dine-in options for bars and restaurants will be available for outdoor seating, with certain restrictions, such as: “tables six feet apart and away from sidewalks, masks and distancing measures for staff, and other precautions.”
As long as public safety measures were adhered to, the governor wrote, other businesses and amenities would be available in Phase 3 of its plan. Additionally, the phase would allow for gatherings of up to 10 people (not just just essential ones) as long masks are worn and social distancing is maintained.
What you can do:
- Dine at a restaurant with outdoor seating
- Drink at a bar with outdoor seating
- Go to the park with a group of up to 10 people
- Boat with a group of up to 10 people
- Camp with a group of up to 10 people (including State Parks)
- Golf with a group of up to 4 people
- Drive a golf cart one person at a time or with family members
- Shop at stores that choose to re-open with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits
- Play tennis at indoor and outdoor facilities with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits
- Work out in gyms or fitness studios in groups/classes of up to 10 people
- Get your nails done at salons that open with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits
- Get a tattoo at studios that open with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits
- Get a hair cut at barbershops and salons that open with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits
- Spa at facilities that open with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits
The governor said there would be ongoing discussions on how to reopen offices, childcare facilities, driving ranges, and paintball courses.
“We have followed the science and we’re succeeding, but we can’t let up now,” the governor wrote.
“We’ve come too far and made so much progress because we’ve kept social distance, worn face coverings in public, washed our hands frequently, and taken care of our most vulnerable to the best of our ability. We must persevere.”
[Featured image: @timcollinsphoto]