Rock Island Today

State Rep. Toni McCombie (R-Rock Island) is excited by the thought of what the latest COVID-19 opening update could mean for the state’s long sputtering economy.

“May 14 we bridge with full reopening planned for June 11,” McCombie posted to Facebook. “Now let’s get back to work people… everyone is hiring and you are needed.”

In a press release, Gov. J.B. Pritzker laid out his plan for Phase 5 in expanded detail.

“As more of our residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Illinois will operate with a metrics-based pathway toward the fifth and final phase of the Restore Illinois reopening plan, in which all sectors of the economy reopen with businesses and recreation resuming normal operations and where conventions, festivals, and large events can take place,” Pritzker said in the release.

In paving the way for the move now, Pritzker said the recommendations of public health officials from all over were never far from his mind.

“Illinois will move forward with a dial-like approach between the mitigations in Phase 4, which currently apply to the entire state, and the post-pandemic new normal of Phase 5,” he added. “This Bridge to Phase 5 will allow for higher capacity limits and increased business operations.”

From there, the governor said it will be a gradual course to Phase 5, with the idea of protecting all the progress the state has made being a big part of the equation.

“Once 70% of residents 65 and older have been vaccinated and barring any reversals in our COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths for a 28-day monitoring period, the Bridge to Phase 5 will begin with increased capacity limits in both indoor and outdoor settings,” Pritzker added. “Once 50% of residents 16 and older have been vaccinated and stable or declining COVID-19 metrics are recorded during a 28-day monitoring period, Phase 5 will be implemented, removing capacity limits altogether.”

All regions of the state are slated to move through the next phases in unison based on statewide metrics.

“While regulations are rolled back gradually, Illinoisans should continue following the public health guidelines that have kept us safe during the pandemic, like wearing a mask in public and social distancing,” Pritzker said in the release. Additionally, this updated guidance establishes new capacity limits for settings determined by risk level.”