Illinois Enters Bridge Phase of Reopening Plan

Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (“IDPH”) confirmed that Illinois has moved from Phase 4 to the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois reopening plan. The Bridge Phase allows for higher capacity limits and other increased business operations before eventually shifting to Phase 5. The so-called “new normal” of Phase 5, barring any significant reversals of key COVID-19 indicators (such as the ICU hospital bed availability), could occur in less than a month on June 11, 2021.

Generally, capacity limits for various settings will increase to 60% of an establishment’s capacity during the Bridge Phase. Dining establishments will experience the same capacity restrictions during the Bridge Phase as in Phase 4 for seated areas, but indoor and outdoor standing areas for dining establishments will have capacity increased from 25% to 30% & 50%, respectively.

Meanwhile, On May 13, 2021, Illinois Representative Chesney introduced House Bill 4081, the “Vaccine Credential Act”, which would prevent units of local government or the State from requiring proof of vaccination prior to admittance/access to public events or public venues. A vaccine credential is defined as any written or electronic record evidencing that a person has received a vaccine. The proposed bill limits home rule municipalities.

To view a breakdown of changes between Phase 4, Bridge Phase, and Phase 5, as well as some of the metrics that could move Illinois to Phase 5, click here.