IL announces new upcoming business guidelines

Dear Members,

The governor announced today a bridge plan that is meant to move us from our current Phase 4 to Phase 5. Once the state’s senior population reaches 70% with is first COVID-19 vaccination, maintains a 20% or lower ICU bed availability rate, and holds steady on COVID rates over a 28-day monitoring period, many businesses will be able to increase allowed capacities. This will not indicate a Phase 5 move, but a bridge phase to get there.

Illinois’ current first-vaccinated senior percentage is 58% according to the Chicago Sun Times. The governor said in the announcement when at least 50% of our population that is 16 and older is vaccinated with the first shot, we will be back to businesses operating as usual.

Theses capacity increases with the bridge plan include allowing more people at events, museums, and zoos, as well as higher capacity limits indoors at restaurants. The details of these capacity changes can be found at State of Illinois Coronavirus Response – Illinois.gov.

In addition to the phase changes, Gov. J.B. Pritzker also made vaccination announcements including anyone 16 or older who wants to get vaccinated will be allowed to starting April 12. It will take time for local health departments and pharmacies to get appointments made to accommodate the increase in eligible people. Please be patient and visit the Grundy County Health Department website, www.grundyco.org/health/ and its Facebook page often for updates.

Other COVID-19 business-related news is regularly updated on grundychamber.com, including PPP loan and grant information. If the Chamber can answer any questions or assist your business in any way during this difficult time, please call us at 815-942-0113 or email me at [email protected].