Some COVID restrictions will be lifted in southwest IL on Friday. Here’s what that means.
The metro-east region moved into a less restrictive COVID-19 tier under Illinois’ virus mitigation plan Friday after it met requirements.
The region, known as Region 4 as defined by the Illinois Department of Public Health, had been under Tier 3 restrictions since November. The most restrictive tier mandates a ban on indoor dining and the closure of museums and casinos. Region 4 includes St. Clair, Madison, Bond, Clinton, Monroe, Randolph and Washington counties.
For Tier 3 restrictions to be relaxed or the region moved to Tier 2, the seven-county metro-east had a seven-day rolling average positivity rate of less than 12% for three consecutive days while also seeing at least 20% intensive care unit and medical/surgical bed availability for three consecutive days.
While indoor dining still isn’t allowed under Tier 2, some other activities and businesses may resume effective immediately Friday. Wearing masks in public spaces is still required where social distancing is not possible.
All of the state’s 11 regions had left Tier 3. In six regions, indoor dining allowed with capacity limits and other rules was allowed, including in southernmost Illinois’ Region 5. The Chicago area was expected to allow indoor dining as soon as Saturday.
Here’s what changes from Tier 3 to Tier 2.
Bars and restaurants
- No indoor service
- Outdoor, delivery and takeout service may continue
- No outdoor tables exceeding six people and must be socially distanced
Cultural institutions (museums, theaters, etc.)
- Open under Phase 4 rules for theaters, cinemas and performing arts centers that show plays, musicals, orchestras, opera and other live or pre-recorded performances
- Masks and social distancing are required except when a guest is seated at the venue.
Indoor venues should operate at the lesser of 50 guests or 50% of overall theater or performance space capacity.
Outdoor seated venues should operate at 20% of overall theater or performance space capacity.
Video gambling and casinos
- Open under Phase 4 rules from Illinois Gaming Board
Video gambling restricted to between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Food and beverage service at video gambling terminals is not allowed, though carryout and curbside are. Masks required and only one person per terminal is allowed. Social distancing, sanitizing and prevention measures are still in effect.
Casinos may operate between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily at 25% capacity. Food and beverage service is suspended, though carryout and curbside are allowed. Masks required and other social distancing, sanitizing and prevention measures are still in effect.
Hotels
- Limited to registered guests
- Fitness centers closed or operating on reservation model at 25% capacity
Household gatherings
- Limiting to 10 people is encouraged
Indoor fitness classes
- Groups limited to 10, including fitness classes
Meetings, events and gatherings (excluding in-person school or sports)
- Limit to 10 guests indoors and outdoors
Offices
Open under Phase 4 rules
Offices may operate at maximum occupancy of 50% of office capacity.
All employees who can work from home should continue to do so.
Employees should wear face coverings over their nose and mouth when within 6 feet of others.
Employees should not report to, or be allowed to remain at, work if sick or symptomatic.
Organized group recreational activities (fitness centers, sports, etc.)
- Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25% overall capacity indoors and outdoors
- Sports follow measures in the All Sport Guidelines
This story was originally published January 22, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
