Governor JB Pritzker has announced all residents under the age of 16 will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting on April 12th. Other subgroups may become eligible for vaccine before that date.
As more become vaccinated, Pritzker feels it is also time to begin to cautiously move toward normalcy. He has introduced a ‘bridge phase’ leading to the much-relaxed Phase 5 of the state’s mitigation plan. The Bridge Phase will allow for higher capacity limits and increased business operations. Those who have proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test 1 to 3 days prior to an event or outing will not count against capacity limits.
Requirements to move into the bridge phase will include 70-percent of those 65 and older receiving at least one dose of vaccine. The percentage on Thursday is 58-percent. ICU bed capacity must remain at or above 20 percent while the case numbers and hospital admissions for COVID-related illness hold steady over a 28-day monitoring period.
To advance to Phase 5, the state must reach a 50-percent vaccination rate for residents age 16 and over as well as meet all of the requirements of the transition phase.
The Governor says the state’s mask mandate will remain n place until the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend otherwise.
CLICK HERE to see the full Bride to Phase 5 document released by the state.
