July 15th, 2020 Update:
On July 15th, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health announced a new COVID-19 mitigation plan focused on combating a resurgence of cases while maintaining the progress the state has made towards bending the curve over the last four months. Learn more here.
Protecting Chicago
Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health announced the framework for reopening Chicago amid COVID-19. You can read the full press release here and see a visual depiction of the phases from the City here.
Chicago has already transitioned from phase one (Strict Stay-at-Home) to phase two (Stay-at-Home):
PHASE ONE: STRICT STAY-AT-HOME
Limit the amount of contact with others; goal is to limit interactions to rapidly slow the spread of COVID-19
- Essential workers go to work; everyone else works from home
- Stay at home and limit going out to essential activities only
- Physically distance from anyone you do not live with, especially vulnerable friends and family
PHASE TWO: STAY-AT-HOME
Guard against unsafe interactions with others; goal is to continue flattening the curve while safely being outside
- Essential workers go to work; everyone else works from home
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Wear a face covering while outside your home
- Physically distance from anyone you do not live with, especially vulnerable friends and family
PHASE THREE: CAUTIOUSLY REOPEN
Strict physical distancing with some businesses opening; goal is to thoughtfully begin to reopen Chicago safely
- Non-essential workers begin to return to work in a phased way
- Select businesses, non-profits, city entities open with demonstrated, appropriate protections for workers and customers
- When meeting others, physically distance and wear a face covering
- Non-business, social gatherings limited to <10 persons
- Phased, limited public amenities begin to open
- Stay at home if you feel ill or have come into contact with someone with COVID-19
- Continue to physically distance from vulnerable populations
- Get tested if you have symptoms
PHASE FOUR: GRADUALLY RESUME
Continued staggered reopening into a new normal; goal is to further reopen Chicago while ensuring the safety of residents
- Additional business and capacity restrictions are lifted with appropriate safeguards
- Additional amenities open
- Continue to wear face coverings and physically distance
- Continue to distance and allow vulnerable residents to shelter
- Get tested if you have symptoms or think you have had COVID-19
PHASE FIVE: PROTECT
Continue to protect vulnerable populations; goal is to continue to maintain safety until COVID-19 is contained
- All business open
- Non-vulnerable individuals can resume working
- Most activities resume with health safety in place
- Some events can resume
- Set up screenings and tests at work or with your family
- Sign up for a vaccine on the COVID Coach web portal
Restoring Illinois
Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health announced the framework for reopening Illinois amid COVID-19, and you can read the full plan here.
Phase 1 – Rapid Spread
The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital is high or rapidly increasing. Strict stay at home and social distancing guidelines are put in place and only essential businesses remain open. Every region has experienced this phase once already, and could return to it if mitigation efforts are unsuccessful.
Phase 2 – Flattening:
The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital beds and ICU beds increases at an ever slower rate, moving toward a flat and even a downward trajectory. Nonessential retail stores reopen for curb-side pickup and delivery. Illinoisans are directed to wear a face covering when outside the home and can begin enjoying additional outdoor activities like golf, boating and fishing while practicing social distancing. To varying degrees, every region is experiencing flattening as of early May.
Phase 3 – Recovery:
The rate of infection among those surveillance tested, the number of patients admitted to the hospital, and the number of patients needing ICU beds is stable or declining. Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions. Gatherings limited to 10 people or fewer are allowed. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
Phase 4 – Revitalization:
The rate of infection among those surveillance tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital continues to decline. Gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed, restaurants and bars reopen, travel resumes, child care and schools reopen under guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
Phase 5 – Illinois Restored:
With a vaccine or highly effective treatment widely available or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period, the economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing. Conventions, festivals and large events are permitted, and all businesses, schools and places of recreation can open with new safety guidance and procedures in place reflecting the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Until COVID-19 is defeated, this plan also recognizes that just as health metrics will tell us it is safe to move forward, health metrics may also tell us to return to a prior phase. With a vaccine or highly effective treatment not yet available, IDPH will be closely monitoring key metrics to immediately identify trends in cases and hospitalizations to determine whether a return to a prior phase may become necessary.
All public health criteria included in the document is subject to change. As research and data on this novel coronavirus continue to develop, this plan can and will be updated to reflect the latest science and data.
