What to Expect as Illinois Moves to Phase Three of Reopening

Phase Three of Gov. JB Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan kicks off this week across Illinois. The plan allows for more manufacturing and businesses to open, day camps to run and restaurants and bars to open for outdoor seating. 

There are still restrictions within Phase Three, and the biggest requires citizens over the age of 2 to continue to wear face coverings when indoors. There are also new and revised guidelines for indoor and outdoor sports like tennis, boating and fishing.

Though Phase Three is set to start May 29 in Illinois, openings vary from city to city. Check your local city for changes in start date. 

Here’s what you need to know.

General Guidelines

For all businesses, recreation and social gatherings, social distancing (six feet of space) and face coverings remain the norm. 

  • Gatherings of no more than 10 people
  • Travel is allowed
  • State parks reopen
  • Tele-work remains encouraged if in-person service isn’t necessary
  • All businesses are expected to clean common surfaces every two hours or less
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Avoid touching your face, including eyes, mouth and nose
  • Customers and patrons could have their temperature taken when entering a building, either through use of thermal cameras or touchless thermometers

Youth Sports

Sports camps can return but only for drills and not competition. 

  • 6-foot distancing is required during drills
  • Drill “groups” are limited to 10, and members of the same household are encouraged in the same group. Once the groups have been established, they won’t change
  • Staggered start times are encouraged to limit contact between groups
  • Indoor facilities must remain at less than 50 percent capacity
  • Temperature of athletes can be checked each day using hands-off thermometers
  • Sanitize and wash hands frequently

Summer Camps

Summer camps are limited in Phase Three to day camps and encourage outdoor activities when possible. 

  • Employees should have daily temperature checks and wear masks when applicable
  • 6-foot social distancing is encouraged between participants not from the same household (just like youth sports, participants from the same home are encouraged to be placed in the same group activities)
  • 30 feet of distance should be maintained between groups of participants
  • If indoors, participants won’t leave their designated room during the day
  • No field trips, family-style meals or reusable dishes (except for water bottles) are allowed
  • Temperature of campers can be checked each day using hands-off thermometers
  • Sanitize and wash hands frequently

Restaurants and bars

Many restaurants adjusted quickly to the COVID-19 shutdowns with curbside pickup and delivery service. Restaurants can reopen for outdoor seating.

  • Limited to parties of six or fewer
  • Employees must wear face coverings
  • Diners can remove face coverings to eat, but can be required when not eating
  • Tables will allow for social distancing between parties
  • Reservations are required
  • Wait in your car or off premises until your table is ready to avoid long lines
  • Customers can be asked if they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or have their temperatures taken

Personal care services & outdoor recreation

Hair and nail salons, massage therapy clinics, spas, tanning salons and fitness centers are open, but must properly clean equipment, use non-contact payment methods and limit class sizes. Outdoor recreation services like golf, tennis and boating are also allowed in Phase Three.

  • Employees and customers are expected to wear face coverings and wash hands frequently
  • Reservations required, no walk-ins allowed (call in advance to schedule appointments)
  • 6-foot distance is required between customers (or shields installed where it isn’t possible)
  • Fitness classes of no more than 10 people must be held outdoors
  • 50 percent capacity in buildings

What’s not open

  • Schools
  • Playgrounds
  • Overnight camps
  • Theaters
  • Indoor entertainment
  • Festivals
  • Gatherings of 50 or more people
  • Churches

Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Cook County’s Best Private Schools Ranked for 2025

Explore Cook County’s top private schools offering global learning, college prep and financial aid for qualifying families.

Lake County’s Best Public Elementary Schools Ranked for 2025

Find the top-rated elementary schools in Lake County based on teacher quality, test scores, diversity and more.

Family Travel Guide to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

From Dollywood to mountain coasters, Pigeon Forge is packed with family fun, Southern eats and Smoky Mountain adventures.

Here’s When to Catch Navy Pier’s 2025 Fireworks — Mark Your Calendar!

Families can stop by Navy Pier for an outstanding fireworks displays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- Advertisement -


- Advertisement -