Governor announces state will enter Bridge Phase May 14, could fully reopen next month

Posted on May 6, 2021
The Bridge Phase will allow for expanded capacity limits for businesses and gatherings before the state moves to a full reopening in Phase 5. (Twitter/Governor JB Pritzker)

By WJBC Staff

CHICAGO – Illinois will enter the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois plan on May 14 and could fully reopen by June 11, according to Gov. JB Pritzker.

Pritzker made that announcement Thursday during a press briefing in Chicago.

The Bridge Phase will allow for expanded capacity limits for businesses and gatherings before the state moves to a full reopening in Phase 5. Barring any significant reversals in key COVID-19 statewide indicators, Illinois could enter Phase 5 as soon as June 11.

The governor and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike also announced an expansion of the COVID-19 vaccine administration plan to include private doctors’ offices and small medical providers, which can now begin to order and administer COVID-19 vaccine directly to patients. Interested providers can register with the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE).

Thus far, 60% of adult residents have received their first dose, including 85% of residents ages 65 and older. To further expand vaccine accessibility, state-run vaccination sites will now accept walk-ins in addition to pre-booked appointments.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

 

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