Governor Pritzker announced that the state of Illinois will reach the Bridge to Phase 5 on Friday, May 14, and if COVID-19 metrics remain stable or decrease for a 28-day period, Illinois could reach the Phase 5 and fully reopen by Friday, June 11 – ahead of the July target announced earlier this week.
In the state of Illinois’ Bridge to Phase 5, indoor standing area occupancy at restaurants and bars will be increased to 30%, and outdoor standing area occupancy will be increased to 50% (up from 25% currently). During Phase 5, Illinois restaurants and bars will have no capacity limits.
The Illinois Restaurant Association has confirmed that the city of Chicago will also soon announce that its own Bridge Phase will begin on Friday, May 14. More details will be made available from the city in the next few days.
In the city of Chicago’s Bridge Phase, Chicago restaurants and bars will be permitted to have 75% occupancy (with 6 feet of social distancing between parties), table sizes up to 10, and standing areas will be allowed with 25% occupancy. We are strongly advocating for longer hours of operation for liquor licensees as well.
We expect Cook County to align with the city of Chicago on its Bridge Phase. Read more from Crain’s Chicago Business.