CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois health officials reported 4,979 new COVID-19 cases and 123 deaths Thursday as the state announced it will relax restrictions for two more regions. The total number of cases in Illinois now stands at 1,086,333, with a total of 18,520 deaths, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Region 7, which includes Will and Kankakee counties, is advancing to Tier 1, meaning restaurants in the south suburbs can now reopen for limited indoor dining. Some restaurants, including George's in Lockport, have been serving customers inside even while it was officially banned by the state. But the team there is still excited by the news and hope it will make more customers feel safe enough to drop in for a bite. Manager Lauren Straub said she was elated to learn that limited indoor dining can resume in Will and Kankakee counties.