The WCHD (Will County Health Department) is reminding residents that by order of Governor J.B. Pritzker, the State of Illinois will move into Phase 5 of recovery from the COVID-19 virus tomorrow (Friday, June 11, 2021).
This transition from the Bridge Phase to Phase 5 will mean that there will no longer be capacity limits for businesses and venues, or situations such as sporting and spectator events, conventions, and restaurants.
Requirements that businesses institute mask wearing and social distancing mandates, in addition to daily health screenings for employees and visitors, will be eliminated as well.
Complete Phase 5 Guidance for Businesses and Venues can be found by going to these sites from IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health) and the State of Illinois:
https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/phase-5
https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-phase-5
Businesses and organizations should continue to support social distancing as much as possible, especially in indoor settings; and will still be permitted to institute mask and social distancing policies on their own if they wish. This can be very important in key areas such as concession counters, rest rooms, and anywhere that involves standing in line. Businesses should also continue to be supportive of customers and employees who choose to wear masks or face coverings. For more on continued safety precautions once fully vaccinated, please go to:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
After Friday’s scheduled “re-opening of the State of Illinois” occurs, certain guidelines will remain in place for those who are not fully vaccinated. This will include wearing face coverings in crowded settings, both indoors and outdoors, especially when youngsters are present. Individuals who are immunocompromised should always consider wearing face coverings while in locations with others who may not be fully vaccinated. More information is available from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) at:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/community-mitigation.html
It should also be noted that limited circumstances will still exist under Phase 5 that will continue to require masking for all individuals, including those who are fully vaccinated. These situations will include public transportation, congregate facilities, health care settings, and any locations were this is required by federal, state, and local laws, rules, or regulations, in accordance with CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/community-mitigation.html
It is very important to remember that individuals in schools, day care settings, and other educational institutions need to continue following any separate guidance that has been issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (https://www.isbe.net/), the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/Pages/default.aspx), or IDPH.
The State of Illinois has been able to reach Phase 5 due to the vaccination efforts of every single county. Every individual 12 and older should be vaccinated to continue the progress in the battle against COVID-19. For more information on getting vaccinated, please go to:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/How-Do-I-Get-a-COVID-19-Vaccine.html
As efforts continue nationwide and worldwide to vaccinate as many individuals as possible, including continued development for vaccines for children under 12, please continue to consult the following websites for updated information:
CDC https://www.cdc.gov/; IDPH https://www.dph.illinois.gov/; WCHD
“Everyone still needs to do their part,” said WCHD Executive Director Sue Olenek. “Cases and positivity rates are down all over the state, but we still must use common sense and be safe to keep those numbers down.”