On May 5, IL Governor JB Pritzker announced Restore Illinois, a new plan to safely re-open Illinois.
Restore Illinois does two things.
First, it breaks the state into 11 health regions and four areas.
Second, it defines five phases that each region needs to achieve before being authorized to move to the next phase of restoration. The phases are as follows:
1) Phase 1--Rapid Spread: Strict stay at home and social distancing guidelines are put in place and only essential businesses remain open. Every region has experienced this phase once already and could return to it if mitigation efforts are unsuccessful.
2) Phase 2--Flattening: Non-essential retail stores reopen for curbside pickup and delivery. Illinoisans are directed to wear a face-covering when outside the home and can begin enjoying additional outdoor activities like golf, boating, and fishing while practicing social distancing.
3) Phase 3--Recovery: Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops, and salons can reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions. Gatherings of 10 people or fewer are allowed. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
4) Phase 4--Revitalization: Gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed, restaurants and bars reopen, travel resumes, child care, and schools reopen under guidance from IDPH. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
5) Phase 5--Restored: The economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing. Conventions, festivals, and large events are permitted and all businesses, schools, and places of recreation can open with new safety guidelines and procedures.
The state of Illinois has issued full guidance with more details on what each phase means, which you can read about here.