Today’s update discusses:

• Governor Pritzker’s five-phase plan to reopen the state’s economy

ECONOMY

Today Governor Pritzker announced “Restore Illinois,” a five-stage regional plan for reopening businesses as the COVID-19 curve begins to flatten. This plan marks a change from the Governor’s prior statement that he was not considering treating the different regions of the state differently. The plan divides the state into four regions—northeast, north-central, central, and southern—and sets out five phases of restoration that will be measured in each region to guide reopening plans. The phases 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 2 – Flattening: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to hospital and ICU beds increases at a 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 they 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 while following capacity and other limits and safety precautions. All gatherings of 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, and child care and schools reopen under guidance from the IDPH. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
• 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 while following new safety guidance and procedures that reflect the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With all of the regions experiencing a “flattening,” all regions are in the second phase and will not enter the third phase until at least May 29, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.