Restaurants and bars will be able to partially reopen under new Illinois COVID-19 rules
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced loosened restrictions for restaurants and bars slated to go into effect at the end of May.
Restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen outdoor areas for patrons on May 29 as long it is in a region that meets the requirements to move from phase two to three in the state’s pandemic reopening plan.
Indoor dining will still not be allowed because of the way coronavirus spreads, public health officials said.
“Financial assistance isn’t enough,” Pritzker said. “It has been important to me to reopen them but only if it can be done in a way that keeps its employees and customers safe.”
Restaurants face “dire” consequences if they weren’t able to reopen partially soon, said Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association.
“We recognize that this act will not provide a solution for every operator, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Toia said.
In the governor’s original plan, restaurants would only be allowed to offer curbside pickup and delivery until phase four, which would begin June 26 at the earliest.
It will be safe to dine outside “with the right restrictions, tables six feet apart and away from the sidewalks, masks and distancing for staff, and other precautions” Pritzker said.
The announcement comes after weeks of pressure from restaurant owners to allow them to reopen earlier.
Municipalities could allow for expanded outdoor seating options by closing down streets and sidewalks.
“Let’s close down streets. Let’s expand sidewalk cafés. Let’s use parking lots and public ways. Let’s show the world how innovative Illinois can be,” Toia set.
State parks will be allowed to reopen as well, the governor announced. Gyms, tennis courts and golf courses will also see loosened restrictions at the end of May.
But the governor reminded Illinoisans to take coronavirus seriously.
“The virus has not gone away,” Pritkzer said. “We must persevere.”
Here is a full list of updates to third phase rules in the Restore Illinois plan:
Bars and restaurants
Tables must be six feet apart and away from the sidewalks, masks and distancing measures for staff must continue to be followed, and other precautions and guidance will be issued.
These measures will allow restaurants to re-open at a risk comparable to other outdoor activities, while giving the state’s hospitality industry a much-needed boost.
Municipalities are encouraged to help restaurants and bars expand their outdoor seating options.
Outdoor activities
All state parks will reopen on May 29. All concession will reopen as well under guidelines set forth for retail and food service businesses in Phase 3. Illinois will permit the re-opening of indoor and outdoor tennis facilities with Illinois Department of Public Health safety precautions and capacity limits.
For golf, in Phase 3, courses can allow foursomes out on the same tee times. Carts will also be permitted with one person per cart. Two golfers can share a cart if they are members of the same household.
With the new 10-person gathering limit for all activities in Phase 3, boating or camping with up to 10 people will be permitted.
The state will provide additional guidance on how other outdoor recreational businesses, such as driving ranges, outdoor shooting ranges, and paintball courses can safely open their doors in Phase 3.
Health clubs, retail and personal care services
Health clubs, gyms and fitness studios can provide one-on-one personal training in indoor facilities and outdoor fitness classes of up to 10 people.
Personal care services, like nail salons, tattoo shops, hair braiders, spas and barbershops, can open with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits.
And all retail stores can open their doors to in-person shopping with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits in place.
This story was originally published May 20, 2020 at 3:30 PM.
