By Jason Addy, Patch Staff
May 20, 2020

ILLINOIS — Restaurants and bars across Illinois can begin preparing to reopen at the end of the month if they can provide outdoor seating for customers, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday. With all four regions of the state likely to enter Phase 3 of his Reopen Illinois plan in nine days, Pritzker announced additional restrictions that will be loosened to help the state’s food-service workers.

Restaurants and bars can reopen in Phase 3 if they can secure outdoor seating that maintains proper social distancing, Pritzker said, noting the state’s epidemiologists and disease experts believe “these services can open at a risk comparable to other outdoor activities.” The governor encouraged local officials to shut down streets and “do whatever is in their power” to help these establishments. Employees will be required to wear masks while working, he said.

Bars and dine-in restaurants throughout the state have been closed since March 16.

In Phase 3, almost all retail businesses will be allowed to reopen for in-store shopping with capacity and safety restrictions, Pritzker said. Personal care businesses, like hair and nail salons, barbershops and tattoo studios, can also reopen with new restrictions. Health clubs and gyms can resume one-on-one training or hold outdoor training sessions with up to 10 people, the governor said.

Tennis facilities can reopen with capacity limits and increased safety precautions, and golf course will be allowed to permit four players at the same tee time. Golfers will once again be able to use carts if they are alone or with members of their household, the governor said.

Pritzker conducted his daily coronavirus briefing in Springfield for the first time in almost two weeks. Pritzker had been quarantined at home after a member of his senior staff tested positive for the coronavirus.