Gov. Pritzker announces metrics-based pathway to fully reopening; expanded vaccine eligibility

(WSIL) -- Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced a metrics-based, vaccination-informed framework for Illinois to advance to Phase 5 of the state’s Restore Illinois Plan.

Governor Pritzker also announced that all Illinois residents age 16+ will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 12^th.

Currently, every region of the state is in Phase 4 of the five-phase Restore Illinois mitigation plan, with Phase 5 comprising a post-pandemic normalcy as detailed .

RELATED:

The newly announced metrics offer Illinois a "bridge phase" between the state’s current Phase 4 restrictions and the “new normal�� operations of Phase 5.

All regions of the state will move through the Bridge Phase and ultimately to Phase 5, together. The state’s mask mandate will continue in accordance with current CDC guidance.

Metrics and Guidelines

The bridge to Phase 5 allows for higher capacity limits at places like museums, zoos and spectator events as well as increased business operations.

To advance into the Bridge Phase, the entire state must reach:

70% first dose vaccination rate for residents 65 and over
Maintain at least 20% ICU bed availability rate
Hold steady on COVID-19 and COVID-like illness hospital admissions, mortality rate, and case rate over a 28-day monitoring period.

To advance to Phase 5 the state must reach:

50% vaccination rate for residents age 16 and over
Meet the same metrics and rates required to enter the transition phase, over an additional 28-day period.

Illinois will revert back to an earlier phase if over the course of 10 days the state experiences an increasing trend in COVID-19 and COVID-like illness hospital admissions, a decrease in ICU bed availability, an increase in the mortality rate, and an increasing case rate.

Individuals with proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) 1-3 days prior to an event or outing do not count against capacity limits.

Illinois on track to fully reopening on June 11 — Kenzie Dillow

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility

So far, the state has administered the COVID-19 vaccine to more than 1 in 4 Illinois adults over the age of 16, including over 58% of Illinoisans ages 65 and over.

Thanks to an increased allocation of vaccine doses from the federal government, all Illinois residents 16+ will be eligible to receive the vaccine beginning April 12^th.

At that date, all state-supported mass vaccination sites, local health departments, pharmacy partners �� in short, every jurisdiction that receives vaccine from the State of Illinois�� allocation �� will be instructed to move to widespread eligibility.

Currently, all vaccines are administered by appointment only. While vaccine eligibility is expanding on April 12^th, making an appointment to receive a shot may take time. Information regarding vaccination locations as well as details on how to book an appointment to receive the vaccine can be found at the state’s COVID website, .

Residents who don’t have access to or need assistance navigating online services can call the toll-free IDPH hotline at 833-621-1284 to book an appointment. The hotline is open 7 days a week from 6am to midnight with agents available in English and Spanish.

Illinoisans who are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine cannot schedule an appointment for a future date.