The governor s comments come after reports indicated an announcement on the state s reopening plan was imminent.
Currently, Illinois is under Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan the governor announced early in the pandemic last year. Next up would be Phase 5, which marks a full reopening, but requires a widely available vaccine or highly effective treatment for coronavirus.
But in a state Senate health committee meeting Monday, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said a new reopening plan could be announced later this week.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Ezike said there may be one more phase between Phase 4 and Phase 5. Few details have been revealed, but one thing is certain: masks will continue to be mandated in the state, she said, adding that masks have to continue to be a mainstay.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, Ezike said there may be one more phase between Phase 4 and Phase 5. Few details have been revealed, but one thing is certain: masks will continue to be mandated in the state, she said, adding that masks have to continue to be a mainstay.”
A spokesperson for the governor confirmed Pritzker has been in discussions with industry and health experts.
Earlier this month, Texas became the biggest state to lift its mask rule, joining a rapidly growing movement by governors and other leaders across the U.S. to loosen COVID-19 restrictions despite pleas from health officials not to let their guard down yet.