Illinois businesses will be able to operate with loosened COVID-19 safety restrictions next week and fully re-open in June if metrics continue to improve, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Thursday. 

“I’m pleased to announce that the concerning upward movement of cases and hospitalizations we were seeing a few weeks ago have stabilized – a testament to the lifesaving, community-protecting power of vaccinations,” Pritzker said. “As a result, on Friday, May 14th, the State of Illinois will move into the Bridge Phase of our mitigation plan – one step closer to removing nearly all of the remaining mitigations, and a very hopeful move toward fully reopening. I want to thank people across Illinois who are getting vaccinated, wearing their masks, and continuing to do their part to make your friends and family safer and your communities healthier.”

Given current conditions, Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan will begin on June 11, allowing gatherings of all sizes and large events like conventions and festivals to take place.

IDPH also announced the expansion of COVID-19 vaccines to private doctors’ offices and other small medical providers. Vaccine providers Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart announced this week they are also offer walk-in vaccinations and same-day appointments. 

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant