All regions of Illinois are on track to move into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan to reopen during COVID-19, a move that will affect local businesses. A few highlights of are as follows:
Restaurants and bars can open for indoor dining and drinking, serving parties of up to 10 people. Tables must be spaced 6 feet apart. For standing areas in restaurants and bars, a 25 percent capacity or less must be enforced.
Retail shopping is allowed at 50 percent store capacity.
Indoor recreation, such as escape rooms and bowling alleys, are allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity.
Gyms, fitness centers, yoga, dance and other fitness centers can operate at a maximum of 50 percent occupancy.
During Phase 4, face coverings, social distancing and regular disinfecting and cleaning are still required. Detailed guidelines from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity can be found on the organization’s website at dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois/restore-illinois-phase-4/
Steve Glinke, director of Public Health and Safety, said he and the village will work with the Chamber of Commerce to ensure all Forest Park businesses are aware of the guidelines from the state.
In a press release, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) director said, “The state of Illinois has made great progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, largely because of the measures our administration enacted to protect residents and communities during this public health crisis. Our strategy to encourage social distancing and expand testing and contact tracing will enable Illinois communities to continue to take steps to reopen, to return to work, and to resume daily activities.”
