SPECIAL REPORT: Restore Illinois – A Five-Phase Plan to Reopen the State of Illinois
On May 5, 2020, Governor Pritzker released a five-phase plan to reopen the state of Illinois. The plan, titled “Restore Illinois,” is intended to be the initial framework. It will likely be updated as research and science continues develop and potential vaccines and treatments are realized and made available. The plan is based upon regional healthcare availability and regional variations in hospital capacity, and it recognizes the distinct impact COVID-19 has had on different regions of the state.
The plan establishes four health regions (Northeast Illinois, North-Central Illinois, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois), each with the ability to independently move through the phased approach. Currently, each region is deemed to be in Phase 2. However, under the plan, a return to a prior phase may be made when deemed necessary if mitigation efforts are determined to be unsuccessful. The Illinois Department of Public Health will closely monitor data and receive on-the-ground feedback from local health departments and regional healthcare councils during all phases and will recommend if a region needs to move back to a previous phase based on the following four factors:
· Sustained rise in positivity rate
· Sustained increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness
· Reduction in hospital capacity threatening surge capabilities
· Significant outbreak in the region that threatens the health of the region
As further outlined in the Restore Illinois plan, the five phases for each health region are as follows:
Phase 1 – Rapid Spread: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital is high or rapidly increasing. Strict stay at home and social distancing guidelines are put in place and only essential businesses remain open. Every region has experienced this phase once already, and could return to it if mitigation efforts are unsuccessful.
How we move to Phase 2:
· Slowing of new case growth
· Availability of surge capacity in adult medical and surgical beds, ICU beds, and Ventilators
Phase 2 – Flattening: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital beds and ICU beds increases at an ever slower rate, moving toward a flat and even a downward trajectory. Non-essential retail stores reopen for curb-side pickup and delivery. Illinoisans are directed to wear a face covering when outside the home and can begin enjoying additional outdoor activities like golf, boating and fishing while practicing social distancing. To varying degrees, every region is experiencing flattening as of early May.
How we move to Phase 3:
· At or under 20 percent positivity rate and increasing no more than 10 percentage points over a 14-day period, AND
· No overall increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness for 28 days, AND
· Available surge capacity of at least 14 percent of ICU beds, medical and surgical beds, and ventilators
Phase 3 – Recovery: The rate of infection among those surveillance tested, the number of patients admitted to the hospital, and the number of patients needing ICU beds is stable or declining. Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions. Gatherings limited to 10 people or fewer for any reason are allowed. Select industries can begin returning to workplaces with social distancing and sanitization practices in place. Retail establishments reopen with limited capacity, and select categories of personal care establishments can begin to reopen with social distancing guidelines and personal protective equipment. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
How we move to Phase 4:
· At or under a 20 percent positivity rate and increasing no more than 10 percentage points over a 14-day period, AND
· No overall increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness for 28 days, AND
· Available surge capacity of at least 14 percent of ICU beds, medical and surgical beds, and ventilators
Phase 4 – Revitalization: The rate of infection among those surveillance tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital continues to decline. Gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed, restaurants and bars reopen, travel resumes, child care and schools reopen under guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
How we move to Phase 5:
· Vaccine, effective and widely available treatment, or the elimination of new cases over a sustained period of time through herd immunity or other factors.
Phase 5 – Illinois Restored: With a vaccine or highly effective treatment widely available or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period, the economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing. Conventions, festivals and large events are permitted, and all businesses, schools and places of recreation can open with new safety guidance and procedures in place reflecting the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please be aware that the information contained herein is current as of the date of the release of this Special Report and is subject to further changes and modifications by federal and local officials. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us.
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