Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 102K with over 4K deaths; Bars, restaurants can reopen outdoor dining on May 29 in Phase 3 of reopening, Pritzker says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Bars and restaurants in Illinois will be allowed to reopen with outdoor seating starting May 29 as part of Governor JB Pritzker's updated Restore Illinois plan.

But as Chicago's suburbs and the state are moving ahead with the Phase 3 reopening plan expected to take effect next week, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Chicago is not quite ready.

lllinois health officials announced 87 additional deaths and 2,268 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. That brings the statewide total to 102,686, including 4,607 deaths.

Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 29,307 specimens for a total of 672,020 - a new daily high for Illinois. As of Thursday, the statewide seven-day rolling positivity rate is 14%.

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Gov. Pritzker defended his decision to keep the suburbs lumped in with Chicago Thursday, saying he has no plans to change the four regions in his reopening plan.

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Gov. Pritzker defended his decision to keep the suburbs lumped in with Chicago Thursday, saying he has no plans to change the four regions in his reopening plan.

He side-stepped a question about whether Chicago's delayed reopening of outdoor dining supports the argument of some suburban mayors that they should be separate from Chicago in the reopening plan. The governor said all municipalities have discretion to impose tighter restrictions.

"We've tried to provide a baseline to protect people in various communities, in different cities and counties. They can do something that's more stringent and decide not to allow certain activities because maybe they're a hotspot," Gov. Pritzker.

He also said he's not second guessing Mayor Lightfoot's decision not to allow restaurants to do outdoor seating as early as May 29.

"Well the decision by a municipality like Chicago to not have outdoor seating is completely up to them as I've said all along," Pritzker said.

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Meanwhile, a new drive-through testing site in northwest suburban Rolling Meadows is set to open Friday. But with hospital admissions and other critical metrics heading in the right direction, and all four regions of the state set to move to Phase 3 at the end of next week, officials are urging caution.

"Let's take it slowly," Illinois Dept. of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. "As we go into Phase 3, as we continue to learn about the virus, we want to move towards continuing the reopening, but we need to do it in a smart way and in a safe way, and that means following the science."

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Yet another devastating jobs report was released Thursday with nearly 73,000 unemployment claims filed last week in Illinois. That brings the total since March 1 to 1.2 million, or 12 times the figure from the same time last year. Gov. Pritzker said more federal help may be needed.

"When you think about the amount of time that it looks like that the economists - not me, but the economists - are saying that it might take us to get back to normal, I'm concerned that the typical number of weeks that are allowed may not be enough," Pritzker said.

And in Springfield, Downstate Republican State Rep. Darren Bailey returned to the House floor wearing a mask Thursday as required under the new safety rules. He was removed Thursday after refusing to wear a mask.

"The Republicans have no excused absences today and I would like to welcome back my seat-mate Representative Bailey," said State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield.

Gov. Pritzker is also closely monitoring legislative action in Springfield. House and Senate committees debated a bill to expand vote by mail for the November election, but Republicans raised concerns.

"We've tripled the possibility of voter fraud," Republican State Sen. Jim Oberweis said. "I realize you don't want that, I don't want that, but I'm concerned that this does not help prevent voter fraud in fact it makes it easier."

"Republicans generally speaking have been in favor of suppressing the vote, all across the nation they think it's bad for them when more people vote," Pritzker said.

As lawmakers continue work on a budget, Gov. Pritzker raised the stakes as he and other governors battle for federal assistance that some Republicans have characterized as "Blue State bailouts."

"This state and states all across the nation will end up laying off firefighters and police officers and nurses," Pritzker said.

Gov. Pritzker also said he is concerned there could be a surge in COVID-19 cases in the fall, so they are staying prepared.

Bars and Restaurants Can Open for Outdoor Seating, All State Parks to Open

Building on a robust, statewide effort to ensure Illinois can safely reopen and following the data, science, and guidance from public health experts and stakeholders across the state, Governor Pritzker announced updates to Phase 3 of the state's Restore Illinois plan.
"We are by no means out of the woods, but directionally, things are getting better. And because of these advances, we are able to make some modifications to allow more activity during Phase 3 of our reopening plan Restore Illinois," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Our mission has always been to get people back to work, get students back to school and return to as much normalcy as possible without jeopardizing the health and safety of Illinoisans."

In the coming days, the state and IDPH will be issuing formal industry-specific guidance, particularly around workplaces and childcare, for business owners and employees in these and other sectors.

Bars and Restaurants

With Phase 3, bars and restaurants will have the option to resume operations for outdoor seating only. Tables must be six feet apart and away from the sidewalks, masks and distancing measures for staff must continue to be followed, and other precautions and guidance will be issued.

These measures will allow restaurants to re-open at a risk comparable to other outdoor activities, while giving the state's hospitality industry a much-needed boost.

Municipalities are encouraged to help restaurants and bars expand their outdoor seating options.

To date, the administration has delivered over $14 million in small business grants averaging $20,000 to 699 bars, restaurants, and hotels across 270 individual cities in Illinois.

Outdoor Activities

With the start of phase 3, all state parks will reopen on May 29. All concession will reopen as well under guidelines set for our retail and food service businesses in Phase 3. Illinois will permit the re-opening of indoor and outdoor tennis facilities with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) safety precautions and capacity limits.

For golf, in Phase 3, courses can allow foursomes out on the same tee times. Carts will also be permitted with one person per cart, or one immediate household per cart.

With the new ten person gathering limit for all activities in Phase 3, boating or camping with up to ten people will be permitted.

The state will be providing guidance on how other outdoor recreational businesses, such as driving ranges, outdoor shooting ranges, and paintball courses can safely open their doors in Phase 3.

Health Clubs, Retail, and Personal Care Services

In Phase 3, health clubs, gyms, and fitness studios can provide one-on-one personal training in indoor facilities and outdoor fitness classes of up to ten people.

Personal care services, like nail salons, tattoo shops, hair braiders, spas and barbershops, can open with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits.

And all retail stores can open their doors to in-person shopping with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits in place.

Local governments retain the right to establish stricter restrictions in any areas.

"The Governor's action to allow for expanded outdoor dining options will benefit many restaurants at a time when every dollar counts and provides a glimmer of light at the end of this long, COVID-19 tunnel. Innovative outdoor dining strategies extend a lifeline - restoring jobs and offering guests the hospitality experience they've been missing while prioritizing public health and safety. Outdoor dining will not help every restaurant, but it is a constructive step in the right direction," said Sam Toia, President & CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association.

"The Allied Golf Associations of Illinois are grateful that we had the opportunity to collaborate with the Governor's office to propose safely lifting some of the restrictions that had been in place for golf. The Phase 3 changes will allow more people to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of the game, and do so in a way that is safe for both golfers and facility staff," said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA and Illinois PGA Foundation.