Slaughter Urges Continued Adherence to Public Health Guidelines During COVID ‘Bridge Phase’

CHICAGO – As Illinois moves closer to a full reopening, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is encouraging residents and business owners to take note of the latest capacity limits and to continue following public health measures to keep COVID cases down.

“The coronavirus pandemic forced families across the state to modify the ways they work, live and play to keep their loved ones and neighbors safe,” said Slaughter. “I am appreciative of our governor, director of public health and all state health officials for their dedication to keeping us healthy during this pandemic, and I am very glad we’re finally coming to the other side of it.”

Thanks to the widespread availability of vaccines, Illinois is now in a “bridge” phase that allows for higher capacity limits and increased business operations before restrictions are lifted entirely in the fifth and final phase of the Restore Illinois plan. The plan was developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health and uses metrics that include rates of new infections, the availability of hospital beds and percentage of vaccinated people by age group to safely usher the state to a full reopening.

More information about current capacity limits for various settings is available at https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/bridge-phase. 

“The past year has not been easy for any of us, but thankfully things will be mostly back to normal soon,” said Slaughter. “That said, now is not the time to abandon COVID safety measures. By continuing to follow best practices recommended by public health officials, we can help prevent a resurgence of cases and move into Phase 5 on schedule.”