Peoria Standard

On March 18, Gov. J.B. Pritzker revealed that his 'bridge phase' would allow higher capacity limits before fully moving into Phase 5, but critics of the governor believe that this is an unnecessary change to the reopening plan. 

“The Governor appears to have altered his own Restore Illinois Plan, which clearly states that normal operations are based on ‘Either a vaccine is developed to prevent additional spread of COVID-19, a treatment option is readily available that ensures health care capacity is no longer a concern, or there are no new cases over a sustained period.’ It appears those conditions are being met,” Sen. Jil Tracy (R- Quincy) said. “COVID-19 positivity rates continue to decline, and vaccination numbers and hospital capacity continue to increase. So why is the Governor changing his plan and keeping the state from moving forward to Phase 5? Businesses and families need a path to normalcy.”

Nevertheless, health officials in the state claim that the governor’s plan is a solid one that is a proper response to the state’s needs. 

“Rather than flipping a switch and saying we’re now in Phase 5, we’re looking at it more like a dial – dialing back some of the capacity restrictions that helped reduce transmission, and ultimately the number of new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement. “We don’t want to move too quickly and risk a significant reversal of our progress.”

Even so, Tracy seems uncertain of the need for a transition stage, also pointing to evidence that shows the strict measures taken have not been helping significantly. 

"Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled his plan March 18 for a “Bridge Phase” before Illinois is allowed to reopen in Phase 5. Despite some of the strictest COVID-19 mitigations in the country, the state’s death toll remains higher than most other large states." said Tracy.

In order to reach bridge status, 70% of Illinois residents over the age of 65 must have had the vaccine. 

Only 58% of residents in Illinois have been vaccinated at this time. 

After moving from Phase 4 to 5, indoor events will increase from 50 person caps to 250 and outdoor events will move from 100 to 500.