Starting today, June 26th, Illinois enters Phase 4 of Governor JB Pritzker’s Restore Illinois response plan to the international COVID-19 pandemic.
This phase allows gatherings of up to 50 people, all forms of outdoor recreation, and the opening of non-essential businesses. This includes businesses prone to indoor crowds, such as restaurants, theatres, and gyms. The new regulations mean that many local businesses, such as Jumpin’ Joes and the Lindo Theatre, are re-opening today. The Freeport YMCA will be reopening on Monday June 29th.
A statement on the Illinois government’s website says that this phase means that “hospitals have capacity and can quickly adapt for a surge of new cases in their communities”. Data released by the Stephenson County Health Department on June 25th shows that only 1 person is currently hospitalized for COVID-19 in the county.
CDC guidance on COVID-19 urges that people practice social distancing when outside their homes, and that face masks be worn in situations where social distancing is hard to maintain.
