CHICAGO, Ill. — Illinois has surpassed 5,000 deaths related to COVID-19.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike with the Illinois Department of Public Health announced an additional 1,527 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 115,833 confirmed cases.
Gov. J.B Pritzker said in all four regions have hit the qualifications to move forward to phase three of Restore Illinois.
Guidance for day camps and youth sports is being worked on so they can be restored, according to Pritzker.
There will be more guidance for houses of worship as well for phase three.
This include capacity limits, cleaning protocols, and safe conduct of outdoor congregating.
Horse racing will be returning to Illinois tracks in phase three.
Regions that meet requirements could move into phase four by June 26th at the earliest.
Pritzker said it is still important to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Local municipalities can operate under stricter guidelines if they so chose to.
Pritzker said Illinois has gone beyond federal guidelines for free testing at long-term care facilities.
The governor said that 10 response teams are visiting 2 long-term care facilities each a day.
45,000 test kits have been sent out to facilities.
The Illinois Department of Public Health filed emergency rules that mandate long-term care to comply with infection control practices that includes testing all residents and staff for COVID-19.
Facilities must develop and implement a testing plan.
