Due to the limited stock of vaccines, not everyone who becomes eligible on that day will be able to be vaccinated on the first day they are eligible.
Sources say ABC7 Governor Pritzker also plans to announce that the state will add a bridge phase between Phases 4 and 5 that will be science-based, but offering incremental approaches to Phase 5.
The stage between Phases 4 and 5 will allow greater capacity limits for bars and restaurants, social gatherings, museums and zoos, etc., depending on whether they are internal or external. The bars, in particular, will have 20% of the standing capacity, but the social distance of almost two meters will still be necessary.
The decision comes after weeks of meetings …
“We are working with industry leaders,” said Governor Pritzker. “We are working with our IDPH doctors and also with other specialists in the state.”
Details of the bridge plan, including when it will begin, will be announced at a news conference on Thursday morning by the governor.
SEE ALSO | Chicago phase 1C vaccine start date set for March 29
Chicago also announced on Wednesday that it will expand the vaccine’s eligibility for Phase 1C on March 29.
“I’m excited because I’ve been trying and can’t,” said Christopher Hunt, owner of Seek Vintage. “So now that means I can do it.”
And along with retail workers, those in hospitality, personal care services, law making and more are eligible in phase 1C.
Hotel staff are also qualified, at a time when the city is about to reopen conventions.
“Ensuring that our team has access to this vaccine before we start receiving more and more guests, I think the two will go together,” said Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of Illinois Hotel & Lodging Assoc.
In 1C, Chicagoans aged 16 to 64 are also eligible, but only if they have chronic health conditions. The state will lift the health requirement for that group on April 12, but it is unclear whether the city will do so.
Suburban Cook County is expanding its eligibility starting Monday, March 22, as the county moves to Phase 1B +, which includes people under 65 with underlying diseases.
Cook County public health officials said the decision was partly made based on the promise of more doses of vaccine on the way.
“We got some evidence that the supply is going to increase, and yes, it influenced our decision making,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, Cook County Department of Public Health.
The county said that nearly 70% of its elderly people received at least one dose, and that progress is also leading to this expansion announcement.
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