February 28, 2022 – With COVID-19 positivity rates continuing to decline and the majority of eligible Illinoisans vaccinated, today Governor Pritzker released an updated executive order lifting the mask requirement in most indoor settings. In accordance with CDC guidance, the executive order also lifts the mask requirement in K-12 schools and daycares. School districts and private businesses can continue to require masks at their discretion.

“Across the state, Illinoisans are taking their masks off today knowing that most eligible adults are boosted, and our hospitals have much more capacity to save lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud that Illinoisans have done the hard work that has made our state a leader in the Midwest, with more of our residents vaccinated than any other state in the region. All Illinois residents, regardless of background or immigration status, can go to vaccines.gov to find a vaccine location near you.”

To continue protecting Illinois’ most vulnerable residents, all long-term care facilities are required to continue following guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regarding the use of face coverings. Masks are currently required for all residents, staff, and visitors to long-term care facilities, congregate facilities (i.e. – correctional facilities and homeless shelters) and in healthcare settings, regardless of vaccination status.

Additionally, pursuant to federal mandates, all individuals over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face covering on public transportation including, but not limited to, planes, trains, and buses and while in transportation hubs such as airports and bus stations.

Illinois remains a standout in the Midwest for its vaccination rates. Illinois is home to the highest percentage of residents who have received a COVID-19 vaccine as well as the highest percentage of vaccinated and fully vaccinated 5–17-year-olds.

Vaccines continue to be readily available at pharmacies across the state, many local health departments, doctor offices, federally qualified health centers, and other locations. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.

January 4, 2022 – Today, CDC is updating our recommendation for when many people can receive a booster shot, shortening the interval from 6 months to 5 months for people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. This means that people can now receive an mRNA booster shot 5 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series. The booster interval recommendation for people who received the J&J vaccine (2 months) or the Moderna vaccine (6 months), has not changed.

Additionally, consistent with our prior recommendation for adults, CDC is recommending that moderately or severely immunocompromised 5–11-year-olds receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot. At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for children aged 5-11.

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The following is attributable to CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky:

As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to update our recommendations to ensure the best possible protection for the American people. Following the FDA’s authorizations, today’s recommendations ensure people are able to get a boost of protection in the face of Omicron and increasing cases across the country, and ensure that the most vulnerable children can get an additional dose to optimize protection against COVID-19. If you or your children are eligible for a third dose or a booster, please go out and get one as soon as you can. Additionally, FDA took action this week to authorize boosters for 12-15 year olds – and I look forward to ACIP meeting on Wednesday to discuss this issue.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.

November 2, 2021 – Today, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. CDC now expands vaccine recommendations to about 28 million children in the United States in this age group and allows providers to begin vaccinating them as soon as possible.

COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalizations, deaths, MIS-C (inflammatory syndromes) and long-term complications, such as “long COVID,” in which symptoms can linger for months. The spread of the Delta variant resulted in a surge of COVID-19 cases in children throughout the summer. During a 6-week period in late June to mid-August, COVID-19 hospitalizations among children and adolescents increased fivefold. Vaccination, along with other preventative measures, can protect children from COVID-19 using the safe and effective vaccines already recommended for use in adolescents and adults in the United States. Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years. In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm.

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone – and will continue to undergo – the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Vaccinating children will help protect them from getting COVID-19 and therefore reducing their risk of severe disease, hospitalizations, or developing long-term COVID-19 complications. Getting your children vaccinated can help protect them against COVID-19, as well as reduce disruptions to in-person learning and activities by helping curb community transmission.

Distribution of pediatric vaccinations across the country started this week, with plans to scale up to full capacity starting the week of November 8th. Vaccines will be available at thousands of pediatric healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and more.

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The following is attributable to Dr. Walensky:

“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against the virus that causes COVID-19. We know millions of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated and with this decision, we now have recommended that about 28 million children receive a COVID-19 vaccine. As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated.”

September 30, 2021 (Boone County, IL) – Following the Centers for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health recommendation for a

booster shot of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in certain populations and a booster dose for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings, the Boone County Health Department will hold four, appointment only, clinics October 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.

The following groups should receive boosters:

• people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,

• people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.

Additionally, the following groups may be considered for boosters.

• people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and

• people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

“Right now, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for booster doses in recommended populations.” said Amanda Mehl, Boone County Health Department’s Public Health Administrator. “We expect data to be submitted soon to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the safety and efficacy of booster doses for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for further recommendations on booster doses.”

Those who received their second dose of Pfizer at least six months ago, and fall into one of the groups listed, may start registering today for our clinics using THIS LINK. Individuals may also contact their health care provider or visit www.vaccines.gov to find a nearby location to receive a booster dose.

The Health Department encourages you to make your appointment online due to the high volume of calls we are receiving. However, if you need help making an appointment, please call either our COVID-19 Information line at 815-547-8561 or the Keen Age Center at 815-544-9893.

Additionally, the Health Department will be holding a Forward Forum: COVID Vaccine Booster Shot vs. 3rd Dose. Join the conversation Friday, October 1, 2021, beginning at 2:00 p.m. for the most up-to-date and relevant information. Register HERE.

More than 79% of Illinois adults have received at least one vaccine dose and more than 62% are fully vaccinated

September 10, 2021 (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 26,062 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 197 additional deaths since reporting last Friday, September 3, 2021. More than 79% of Illinois adults have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and more than 62% of Illinois adults are fully vaccinated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of Illinois’ total population, more than 66% has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and more than 51% of Illinois’ total population is fully vaccinated.

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,564,386 cases, including 24,261 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since reporting on Friday, September 3, 2021, laboratories have reported 578,943 specimens for a total of 29,756,833. As of last night, 2,346 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 549 patients were in the ICU and 311 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.

The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from September 3-9, 2021 is 4.5%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from September 3-9, 2021 is 5.1%.

A total of 14,149,453 vaccines have been administered in Illinois as of last midnight. The seven-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 20,514 doses. Since reporting on Friday, September 3, 2021, 143,596 doses were reported administered in Illinois.

*All data are provisional and will change. Additional information and COVID-19 data can be found at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19.

Vaccination is the key to ending this pandemic. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.

More than 78% of Illinois adults have received at least one vaccine dose and more than 61% are fully vaccinated.

September 3, 2021 (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 30,319 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 178 additional deaths since reporting last Friday, August 27, 2021. More than 78% of Illinois adults have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and more than 61% of Illinois adults are fully vaccinated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,538,324 cases, including 24,067 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since reporting on Friday, August 27, 2021, laboratories have reported 609,585 specimens for a total of 29,177,890. As of last night, 2,286 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 551 patients were in the ICU and 302 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.

The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from August 27-September 2, 2021 is 5.0%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from August 27-September 2, 2021 is 5.4%.

A total of 14,005,857 vaccines have been administered in Illinois as of last midnight. The seven-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 26,431 doses. Since reporting on Friday, August 27, 2021, 185,014 doses were reported administered in Illinois.

*All data are provisional and will change. Additional information and COVID-19 data can be found at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19.

Vaccination is the key to ending this pandemic. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.

Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine

Listed below are locations in the area that you can sign up to get your free COVID-19 vaccination today.

Walgreens Pharmacy – sign up here.

If you have questions about signing up through Walgreens you can either visit their website (link) or speak to your pharmacy at:

1145 N Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61107 – (815) 398-2443

1704 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111 – (815) 633-0475

230 W Chrysler Dr, Belvidere, IL 61008 – (815) 544-4790

3336 11th St, Rockford, IL 61109 – (815) 394-0357

Meijer Pharmacy – sign up here.

If you have questions about signing up through Meijer you can either visit their website (link) or speak to your pharmacy at:

2013 McFarland Road, Rockford, IL 61107 – (815) 721-8610

541 Puri Pkwy, Sycamore, IL 60178 – (815) 991-1203

Jewel-Osco Pharmacy – sign up for updates here.

If you have questions about signing up for updates on when the vaccine will be available through Jewel-Osco you can either visit their website (link) or speak to your pharmacy at:

220 Peace Rd, Sycamore, IL 60178 – (815) 895-9435

You can also sign up for vaccine information and updates through the Boone County Health Department HERE. We will also provide you with vaccine appointment information and updates when they are available. The Boone County website is not a vaccine registration sign-up.

Regístrese para la vacuna COVID-19

A continuación se encuentran ubicaciones en el área que puede inscribirse para recibir su vacuna COVID-19 gratis hoy.

Farmacia Walgreens– registrate aquí.

Si tiene preguntas sobre cómo registrarse a través de Walgreens, puede visitar su sitio web (enlace) o hablar con su farmacia en: (link) o hable con su farmacia en:

1145 N Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61107 – (815) 398-2443

1704 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111 – (815) 633-0475

230 W Chrysler Dr, Belvidere, IL 61008 – (815) 544-4790

3336 11th St, Rockford, IL 61109 – (815) 394-0357

Farmacia Meijers – registrate aquí.

Si tiene preguntas sobre cómo registrarse a través de Meijer, puede visitar su sitio web (link): o hable con su farmacia en:

2013 McFarland Road, Rockford, IL 61107 – (815) 721-8610

541 Puri Pkwy, Sycamore, IL 60178 – (815) 991-1203

Farmacia Jewel-Osco – registrase para recibir actualizaciones aquí.

Si tiene preguntas sobre cómo registrarse para recibir actualizaciones sobre cuándo estará disponible la vacuna a través de Jewel-Osco, puede visitar su sitio web (link) o hable con su farmacia en:

220 Peace Rd, Sycamore, IL 60178 – (815) 895-9435

También puede registrarse para recibir información y actualizaciones sobre vacunas a través del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Boone aquí.

También le proporcionaremos información sobre las citas de vacunas y actualizaciones cuando estén disponibles. El sitio web del condado de Boone no es un registro de vacunas.

February 11, 2021 (Belvidere, IL) – Officials announced today that Boone County is expanding COVID-19 vaccination to individuals age 65 and older, as part of the State of Illinois Mass Vaccination Plan’s Phase 1B. County residents 65 and older can begin scheduling appointments now for openings at clinics starting Tuesday, February 16th and thereafter.

“As the vaccine becomes available to more of our residents, the County continues its deep commitment to equity and ensuring access for our populations most at risk of contracting COVID-19,” said Amanda Mehl, Boone County Health Department Public Health Administrator. “We have successfully secured additional doses from the Illinois Department of Public Health, allowing the County to expand operations by opening a clinic in partnership with the Keen Age Center who will host the clinics and Meijer Pharmacy who will help administer vaccine to our Boone County Seniors.”

“We are coordinating efforts with our local health department to ensure those at greatest risk can be vaccinated as quickly as possible,” says Kelly Hillan, Executive Director of the Boone County Council on Aging.

The County is also partnering with two local pharmacies, O’Brien & Dobbins in Belvidere and Snyders Pharmacy in Poplar Grove, to ensure that residents can access vaccines in community-based settings.

homas Felker, Pharmacist for Snyders, commented, "We are excited to finally start putting our COVID-19 vaccination plans into motion. As we start receiving vaccine, we will be proactively calling our 65 and older patients, as well as accepting telephone calls to start scheduling our COVID-19 vaccinations."

Additionally, Crusader Community Health in Belvidere will be offering the vaccine to their current patients who fall within the 65 and older population and are Boone County residents. If you are an established Crusader Community Health patient 65 and older and are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please discuss with your Crusader provider at your next appointment. If you do not have an upcoming appointment, Crusader will be communicating with all patients 65 and older who have been seen in the last 18 months to schedule their vaccination appointment.

Due to safety and spacing requirements, all clinics are by appointment only and must be scheduled prior to arrival. Vaccination appointments for Boone County Residents 65 and over can be scheduled through any of the following:

Keen Age Center Clinics: Vaccination clinics will be held at the Boone County Council on Aging’s Keen Age Center located at 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere, IL 61008. Vaccine will be administered by the Boone County Health Department and Meijer Pharmacy, as follows:

• Boone County Health Department: Occurs Tuesday, February 16th. Appointments can easily be made online at https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/b1ad1b51-64d4-4d91-b283-3529b668f435/. If you are unable to register online, you can call the Keen Age Center at 815-544-9893 or call the Boone County Health Department at 815-544-2951 (Option 6). The Boone County Health Department will soon be adding more 65 and older clinic dates. Note: the Boone County Health Department will administer the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.

• Meijer Pharmacy: Occurs on Saturday, February 20th. Appointments can easily be made online at https://clinic.meijer.com/register/CL0025 or by texting BCCA to 75049. If you are unable to register online, you can call the Keen Age Center at 815-544-9893 or call the Boone County Health Department at 815-544-2951 (Option 6). Note: Meijer will administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

O’Brien & Dobbins Pharmacy: Vaccination clinics will be held at the pharmacy at 216 S. State St., Belvidere, IL. Make an appointment by going to their website at https://www.obrienspharmacy.net/ or by calling 815-544-3433.

Snyders Pharmacy: Vaccination clinics will be held at the pharmacy at 13521 Il Route 76, Poplar Grove, IL. To make an appointment call 815-765-1300.

Crusader Community Health: They will be contacting current patients who live in Boone County and fall into the 65 and over group. If you are currently a patient, you can contact them at 815-490-1600 (Select option 8).

When visiting the vaccination clinic for scheduled appointments, residents should bring their insurance card, Medicare card and their Driver’s License or Photo ID which indicates their age. There is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine and individuals without insurance will not be turned away.

“The ability to quickly expand access to vaccination in Boone County depends on the supply of vaccine.” said Mehl. “Now that we have received additional doses from the state, we are allocating 1,500-1,700 initial doses for clinics designated for Seniors 65 and older”.

The County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard linked HERE is updated daily with information about vaccine allocation and administration by healthcare providers throughout the county.

Boone County residents, who have not already done so, are encouraged to sign-up to receive ongoing, county-focused communications regarding COVID-19 and vaccine information at www.forwardboone.org.

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About the Boone County Health Department

The Boone County Health Department is a local health department committed to serving the health needs of its almost 54,000 residents. Established in 1966, we promote and protect the health of the people and the communities in Boone County, right here, where they live, work, learn and play.

Below is a communication sent on Friday, February 5, 2021 to Boone County Residents and Workers who have signed up to receive ongoing Boone County COVID-19 Updates. If you would like to sign up to receive similar updates in the future, you may fill out the form HERE.

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Dear Boone County Residents and Workers,

Thank you for your patience as we worked through the process of enhancing our systems to bring you ongoing, timely communications. Because of the overwhelming response we received from the community, we have shifted to a new platform to increase the efficiency of sending out vaccine-related emails, texts and phone calls.

Going forward you will receive email updates from vaccine@boonehealth.org. This email address is not monitored by staff and is used for sending emails, only. Should you choose to contact the Boone County Health Department on COVID-19 matters, please continue to email them at COVID19@boonehealth.org.

As a reminder, by signing up to receive ongoing communications this does not put you on a registration list for the vaccine.

BOONE COUNTY VACCINATION ROLL-OUT UPDATE

We are continuing to vaccinate individuals who fall within Phase 1A. If you fall within Phase 1A and have not been contacted yet, please call the Boone County Health Department’s COVID-19 Information Line at (815) 547-8561, to be scheduled.

The Walgreens/CVS Federal Partnership with the Centers for Disease Control has helped us vaccinate healthcare workers and long-term care facility workers. This made a significant impact in our timeline and ability to complete Phase 1A. As of the last week in January, all long-term care facilities in Boone County have been visited once and first doses have been administered. Now begins the waiting period between doses. These private pharmacy partners will return to our community and administer second doses at these facilities.

To view recent updates from the Boone County Health Department, recorded presentations can be found HERE.

Phase 1B began in Boone County the week of January 25th.

While Phase 1B of the Illinois Vaccination Plan includes essential workers and those 65 and over, we want to remind everyone in the Phase 1B group that there is currently a limited supply of vaccine and resources for vaccinations. Therefore, most in this group will not be vaccinated right away. It will take longer than the 4-6 weeks it took us to get through Phase 1A. Phase 1B will take months.

We do know that with an increase in more providers coming online to receive vaccine shipments, schedule appointments, and administer vaccine as well as the potential for additional vaccine suppliers, this will help us complete Phase 1B as quickly as possible. We will continue to share more information as we receive it.

To view the most recent State of Illinois Mass Vaccination Plan, go to https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccination-plan.

The Boone County Health Department understands your readiness to be vaccinated. They are working diligently to vaccinate as many Boone County residents and workers, as quickly and efficiently as possible. We ask for your continued patience and understanding as the Health Department works through the priorities, as they are given by the State.

The estimated allocations that the health department is receiving for Phase 1B will be based on population and not based on estimates of workers in particular sectors. The Boone County Health Department continues to receive weekly allotments, but those can vary between 200-600 doses each week. We are expecting that this will increase over the next few weeks. Amanda Mehl, public health administrator of the Boone County Health Department has requested additional vaccines based on population, volunteers, and local partners who have increased the ability to execute plans to administer additional vaccines.

This first week of February, Boone County will continued with second doses for those in Phase 1A who are due for a second dose, as well as continue with first responders and the education sector.

Boone County will also moved forward with their first kick-off to a closed point of distribution in our manufacturing sector. They are running a vaccination pilot with SwedishAmerican and Stellantis (formerly known as FCA). Upon completion of the manufacturing pilot, they will duplicate that clinic model, using lessons learned, to roll out vaccinations with the rest of our local manufacturers. Dependent on vaccine supply, this is targeted to begin the second week of February.

Please remember, the Boone County Health Department does not accept walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations, nor are these vaccinations given at our primary office.

ADDITIONAL VACCINATION LOCATIONS

As we shared last week, there are several private suppliers working to get online to be able to schedule COVID-19 Vaccinations for eligible members of the Phase 1B group.

Though these pharmacies will be working to meet the needs of those in Phase 1B, vaccine supplies remain limited. It is important to know that appointments are required at pharmacies. You will not be able to walk-in and receive the vaccine without making an appointment first.

The State of Illinois has launched a new website where Illinois residents and workers can find vaccine locations. Please be aware that all vaccinations are by appointment only, even at these additional locations.

While pharmacies will remain adherent to the Illinois Phases, they may prioritize individuals in each sub-group differently. The Boone County Health Department will continue to follow the guidelines given by the Illinois Department of Public Health and will fully cooperate with other vaccine administrators as we combat COVID-19 together.

We do ask that once you receive your first vaccine that you use the same provider for your second dose, to avoid any confusion and to ensure you are receiving the same brand of vaccine.

INFORMATON FOR RESIDENTS 65+

The Boone County Health Department is in the process of setting up specific clinics to vaccinate those residents 65 and older. The target for those clinics is the second to third full week in February, if all goes well with our partners.

To help with communication of this, we have partnered with the Boone County Council on Aging/Keen Age Center to hold weekly calls with those 65 and older to give an update on vaccination progress and continued plans in Boone County.

If you are a Boone County resident or worker aged 65 and over, you may join these calls at (712) 770-4994; use Access Code 138168#.

Learn more on how to participate in these calls and how to ask questions, by viewing the instructions HERE.

You may also listen to previous recordings HERE.

HOW YOU CAN HELP WITH SHARINGINFORMATION

As you see notifications from us that we are working those sub sectors of phase 1B, please tell everyone you know who fit into those groups that lives or works in Boone county that they are eligible, and they should reach out to the Boone County Health Department to get scheduled. We don’t want to miss anybody. People who might have been a part of an earlier Phase and did not receive their vaccine, they can be scheduled during a current phase.

VACCINATION REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The Boone County Health Department has identified targeted groups which will receive invitations early next week to register for their vaccinations, using the State of Illinois’ EMTrack system. Boone County residents who are 65 and over and not currently in a targeted group will not have access to the registration at this time. However, they will be notified as soon as we are ready to accommodate them. This does mean that you will not be able to use EMTrack without an invitation, but once you receive the invitation, you will be able to schedule your vaccine. The Health Department will take vaccine appointments online as well as over the phone.

As pharmacies begin to register individuals for the vaccination, you may contact those pharmacies or view them online, to learn more about their registration process.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Boone County Health Department

As the Boone County Health Department continues to have high call and email volumes, they ask for your patience in answering and returning these messages.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

COVID-19 Information Line: (815) 547-8561

COVID-19 Information Email: COVID19@boonehealth.org

More information can be found at www.forwardboone.org.

Coronavirus.Illinois.Gov Will Host Vaccination Locations, Vaccination Appointment Information, FAQs, & Updates on Vaccination Plan

January 25, 2021 (CHICAGO) — Building on the state’s progress as it moves into the early stages of Phase 1B of the COVID-19 Vaccination Administration Plan, Governor JB Pritzker announced a new portal on coronavirus.illinois.gov to provide residents with easily accessible information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Coronavirus.illinois.gov will provide eligible residents with nearby vaccination sites, information on how to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, updates on the state’s plan and eligibility, and answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Today, as we launch the newest phase of our Vaccine Administration Plan for frontline essential workers and those 65 and over, I’m proud to announce our statewide vaccination site locator, searchable by zip code and city, at coronavirus.illinois.gov,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This site will serve as a hub of all vaccine-related information, directing residents to the appointment booking homepages of our 97 local health departments and our pharmacy partners, which will total hundreds of locations statewide. That also includes information on our first Illinois National Guard mass vaccination site, opening tomorrow at Tinley Park Convention Center, and will be updated as more state-run sites and hundreds of additional local options come online. As federal supply is currently limited and every state in the nation is facing a shortage, I urge all eligible Illinoisans to check back regularly for available appointments – and in the meantime, mask up, keep our distance, wash our hands, and remember we’ll stay healthy and safe if we look out for each other.”

Beginning today, Walgreens is providing vaccines at 92 sites across the state, eligible residents can schedule an appointment here. Jewel-Osco will begin vaccinating eligible residents tomorrow and the link to schedule an appointment is now live and can be found here.

Over the next few days, additional pharmacy partners will be coming online and opening registration for appointments. Taken together, these pharmacy partners will provide hundreds of sites in every region of the state.

Over 3.2 million Illinoisans are eligible for Phase 1B. Eligible residents will be able to receive a vaccine at one of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG) assisted sites, at a site operated by a local health department, or at a partner pharmacy.

At this time, these sites will be available by appointment only. As the federal supply of vaccines increases and Illinois receives more vaccine, the state will launch walk-in locations and expand sites to additional providers like doctor’s offices and urgent care clinics. More information about those locations will be released in the coming weeks.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced Region 1 (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago) and Region 2 (Bureau, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kendall, Knox, La Salle, Livingston, Marshall, McDonough, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Woodford) are moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan effective today. Information about which tier and phase regions are in can be found at the top of the IDPH website homepage.

Read complete new release HERE.

Below is a communication sent on Friday, January 22, 2021 to Boone County Residents and Workers who have signed up to receive ongoing Boone County COVID-19 Updates. If you would like to sign up to receive similar updates in the future, you may fill out the form HERE.

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Dear Boone County Residents and Workers,

We want to begin by thanking you for joining the Boone County COVID-19 Information List. We will continue to work diligently to get information out to you as we progress through Illinois the COVID-19 Response and Vaccine Roll-Out.

As a reminder, by signing up to receive ongoing communications this does not put you on a registration list for the vaccine.

BOONE COUNTY VACCINATION ROLL-OUT UPDATE

We are continuing to vaccinate individuals who fall within Phase 1A.

Phase 1B is scheduled to begin January 25, 2021.

While Phase 1B of the Illinois Vaccination Plan includes essential workers and those 65 and over, we want to remind everyone in the Phase 1B group that there is currently a limited supply of vaccine and resources for vaccinations. Therefore, most in this group will not be vaccinated right away.

The Boone County Health Department understands your readiness to be vaccinated. We, too, wish to vaccinate as many Boone County residents and workers, as quickly and efficiently as possible. While knowing this, we do ask for your patience and understanding as we work through the priorities, as they are given by the State.

Our hope is that we will soon see an increase in vaccine availability. In the meantime, we urge everyone to understand it may take weeks or months to vaccinate the entire community. So, again, we ask your patience as we work to meet public demand.

Please remember, the Boone County Health Department does not accept walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations, nor are these vaccinations given at our primary office.

ADDITIONAL VACCINATION LOCATIONS

Governor Pritzker announced today, January 22^nd, that pharmacies at Walgreen’s, CVS and Jewel-Osco will be able to order and administer the COVID-19 vaccine the public. We are excited to have additional partners to work with, allowing Boone County greater access to the vaccine, resulting in a quicker vaccination of the public.

Though these pharmacies will be working to meet the needs of those in Phase 1B, vaccine supplies remain limited. It is important to know that appointments are required at pharmacies. You will not be able to walk-in and receive the vaccine without making an appointment first.

While pharmacies will remain adherent to the Illinois Phases, they may prioritize individuals in each sub-group differently. The Boone County Health Department will continue to follow the guidelines given by the Illinois Department of Public Health and will fully cooperate with other vaccine administrators as we combat COVID-19 together.

We do ask that once you receive your first vaccine that you use the same provider for your second round, to avoid any confusion and to ensure you are receiving the same brand of vaccine.

VACCINATION REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The state-wide system, EMTrack, was tested this week and will be implemented the week of January 25^th, for second dose vaccinations and SOME LIMITED frontline essential workers in Boone County.

The Boone County Health Department has identified targeted groups which will receive invitations early next week to register for their vaccinations, using EMTrack. Boone County residents who are 65 and over and not in the targeted groups for next week will not have access to the registration at this time. However, they will be notified as soon as we are ready to accommodate them.

As pharmacies begin to register individuals for the vaccination, you may contact those pharmacies or view them online, to learn more about their registration process.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Boone County Health Department

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Information Line: (815) 547-8561

COVID-19 Information Email: COVID19@boonehealth.org

More information can be found at www.forwardboone.org.

January 15, 2021 (BOONE COUNTY, IL) – As the State of Illinois prepares to begin the next Phase of the COVID-19 Roll-Out on January 25^th, Boone County stands ready to meet the demand.

The Boone County Health Department (BCHD) has been busy holding vaccine clinics for those listed on Phase 1A of the Illinois Vaccination Plan. Priority group 1a included: healthcare workers and long-term & congregate care facilities as well as Clinicians, such as Nurses & Nursing Assistants, Physicians (MD, NP, PA),Respiratory Technicians, Dentists & Hygienists, Pharmacists, Plasma and Blood Donation Staff, Morticians, Public Health Nurses, Home Health, School Nurses, Optometrists, COVID Testing Staff, Dermatologists, Dialysis staff, Urgent care workers, Corrections, nurses/aides, Physical/occupational/speech therapists, Vaccine clinic workers, Emergency 14 Medical Services (EMS), including Fire Department staff acting as EMS & Air Medical Transport (Rotor & Fixed Wing).

They say this next round, with Phase 1B, will be even busier. Click here to understand who fits into 1b, which includes our frontline essential workers and 65 and over population.

“We are already fielding calls from residents asking when they can come in to get vaccinated,” said Amanda Mehl, Public Health Administrator for BCHD. “We’re thrilled with the response of the community wanting to be vaccinated and we are anxious to begin the process of vaccinating this very large 1B population.”

With the governor’s announcement today, Phase 1B will begin on January 25^th and BCHD will start implementing their plan for vaccinating this group. Initially, as vaccine is still limited, they will begin with law enforcement, 911 workers, security personnel, teachers, principals, student support, aids, day care workers, correction workers and inmates. Then as vaccine supply increases, we will quickly expand into food and agriculture, manufacturing, postal workers, transportation workers and grocery store workers.

“The quicker we can move through these categories the sooner we can begin vaccinating our seniors 65 and over . We know that everyone in Phase 1B is important, so developing a system to distribute COVID-19 vaccine information to the public in a timely manner was crucial to BCHD and their Forward Boone County partners. Therefore, we have designed a sign-up form where Boone County residents can submit their contact information.” said Mehl.

City of Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain noted, “I’ve had the chance to speak with quite a few individuals and they continue to ask about when they can receive the vaccine.” The Mayor continued, “In working with the Health Department and Forward Boone, a concerted effort was made to develop a platform for Belvidere and Boone County residents to sign up for ongoing COVID-19 information.”

By providing basic contact details, the public will receive periodic updates on COVID-related matters and the latest vaccine information. Additionally, your contact information will be used to provide links to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Registration Sites, when they become available. Boone County residents can be put on the Boone County COVID-19 Information communication list by simply filling out a form located at https://forms.gle/Ui7ifkC4uidJ9FSe8. Boone County seniors unable to access the form are encouraged to contact the Boone County Council on Aging, at 815.544.9893, for assistance in being added to the communications list.

Please note, this form will not ask for personal, non-public information and will be used strictly to share COVID-19 information from the Boone County Health Department and Forward Boone County. Additionally, this form will not act as a means of signing up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

For Region 1, additional mitigation measures taking effect October 25 include the following:

Bars and Restaurants

• Reduce party size from 10 to six individuals

Meetings, Social Events and Gatherings

• Maximum indoor/outdoor gathering size of 10 individuals

o Applicable to professional, religious, cultural and social group gatherings

o Not applicable to students participating in-person classroom learning

o This does not reduce the overall facility capacity dictated by general business guidance, such as office, retail, etc.

o Not applicable to sports, see sports guidance

Indoor recreation

• Maintain lesser of 25 people/25 percent of capacity

• No groups more than 10 individuals

• Does not apply to fitness

These mitigations do not apply to schools or polling places.

A full list of mitigation measures pertaining to some businesses and industries may be found on the DCEO website here.

Governor Pritzker signed an Executive Order on Friday, October 2, 2020 for counties within Region 1.

Read the Executive Order HERE.

Region 1 Seeing Increased Positivity Rates and Hospital Admissions

September 29, 2020 (ROCKFORD) – Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are announcing COVID-19 resurgence mitigations will be implemented in Region 1, the northwestern most counties in Illinois, beginning Saturday, October 3, 2020. The region is seeing a 7-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8% or above for three consecutive days, which exceeds the threshold set for establishing mitigation measures in the region under the state’s Restore Illinois Resurgence Plan. This announcement follows last week’s warnings to local leaders that additional mitigation measures would be implemented if the region continued to see an increase in cases. Region 1 includes Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties.

“The concerning uptick in Region 1’s positivity – jumping more than two percentage points in two weeks even as the majority of Illinois continues to see downward trends – demands increased efforts to stop the spread in our northwestern counties,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As other regions have demonstrated, stricter mitigations will lead to safer communities when people mask up, keep their distance, wash their hands and respect public health. It is my hope that the residents of Region 1 can turn this situation around quickly, and Dr. Ezike and I continue to coordinate with local officials to make that happen.”

“COVID-19 spread can increase very quickly, as we’ve seen in some regions in the state, now including Region 1,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “As the pandemic continues, so must our fight against it: Please, don’t hold or attend large events or mass gatherings, wear your face covering, and keep six feet of distance between you and others.”

In the past week, Region 1 also had an early indication of increasing hospital admissions for COVID-like-illness. Although this increase has not yet reached the threshold level, it indicates more severe illness is increasing and IDPH will continue to monitor the region’s hospital capacity.

Mitigation measures taking effect October 3, 2020 in Region 1 include the following:

Bars

• No indoor service

• All outside bar service closes at 11:00 p.m.

• All bar patrons should be seated at tables outside

• No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed)

• Tables should be 6 feet apart

• No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting

• No dancing or standing indoors

• Reservations required for each party

• No seating of multiple parties at one table

Restaurants

• No indoor dining or bar service

• All outdoor dining closes at 11:00 p.m.

• Outside dining tables should be 6 feet apart

• No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting

• Reservations required for each party

• No seating of multiple parties at one table

Meetings, Social Events, Gatherings

• Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25 percent of overall room capacity

• No party buses

• Gaming and Casinos close at 11:00 p.m., are limited to 25 percent capacity, and follow mitigations for bars and restaurants, if applicable

These mitigations do not currently apply to schools.

IDPH will track the positivity rate in Region 1 to determine if mitigations can be relaxed, if additional mitigations are required, or if current mitigations should remain in place. If the positivity rate averages less than or equal to 6.5% for three consecutive days, then Regions 1 will return to Phase 4 mitigations under the Restore Illinois Plan. If the positivity rate averages between 6.5% and 8%, the new mitigations will remain in place and unchanged. If the positivity rate averages greater than or equal to 8% after 14 days, more stringent mitigations can be applied to further reduce spread of the virus.

Region 4, the Metro East, remains under additional mitigation measures as well. Although the 7-day rolling average test positivity rate is less than 8%, it remains above 6.5% and has increased in recent days.

IDPH continues to monitor each region in the state for several key indicators to identify early, but significant increases of COVID-19 transmission in Illinois, potentially signifying resurgence. Indictors include an increase in the region’s positivity rate with a simultaneous increase in either hospital admissions for COVID-like-illness or a decrease in hospital capacity, or three consecutive days of greater than or equal to 8% test positivity rate (7-day rolling average). These indicators can be used to determine whether additional community mitigation interventions are needed for a region to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

A full list of mitigation measures pertaining to some businesses and industries may be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website at www.dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois.

September 18, 2020 (ILLINOIS) – On Tuesday, September 15th, Governor Pritzker announced the opening of the second round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Program. These grants will be available to all small businesses statewide that experienced losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting today, the application is available on our website to review. Applicants can start gathering the necessary information. On the afternoon of September 17^th, we will begin to accept applications. Grants will be awarded and funded on a rolling basis until funding is depleted.

Funding for this round is approximately $200 million, with more than half of the funds earmarked for businesses downstate. Of this funding, $70 million will be invested in Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs) and $60 million in heavily impacted industries. A map of the DIAs can be found on our website. The heavily impacted industries are defined having annual revenues of $10 million or less and have been close or operating at a very diminished capacity since mid-March and are likely to continue to do so until Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan. These industries include the following:

• Event spaces

• Music venues

• Performing arts venues

• Indoor recreation

• Amusement parks

• Movie theaters

• Museums

• Charter/shuttle buses

While these priority areas are part of the program, the BIG program is open to all eligible businesses (for profit and nonprofit) with $20 million or less in annual revenue in 2019 and experienced losses due to COVID-19. The grant size will be equivalent to two months of expenses. DCEO will be hosting a series of webinars regarding this program. You can register for any of the webinars by using the links below:

• September 23, 9:30am-10:30am: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e61db6e1bf4f7af4fdcc54544027f0235

• September 30, 9:30am-10:30am: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee94b00d843ec9aab65c49acc33d41942

For detailed information or to fill out an application, go visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx

July 31, 2020 (NORTHERN ILLINOIS ROCKFORD REGION) – Northern Illinois Rockford Region – For the first time since Illinois entered phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, a county in the Northern Illinois Rockford Region is at the warning level for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Jo Daviess County is considered to be at a warning level for COVID-19 today. This increase in community spread of COVID-19 is associated with travel to hotspots including neighboring Iowa and larger social gatherings.

“As a community, we must heed the warning and work together to adhere to the social distancing and masking guidance that will help slow the spread of COVID-19 while moving our community forward toward recovery,” said Sandra Schleicher, Jo Daviess County Health Department Public Health Administrator. “Our individual actions impact our local community’s ability to prevent further morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 and will impact the safety of activities in our communities like the opening of schools.”

The Health Departments in the Northern Illinois Rockford Region (NIR-HDs) express concern that the spread of COVID-19 will continue to increase in communities throughout the region and will require additional strategies to protect the public’s health. The public is urged take steps to protect our communities and reduce the need to adhere to stricter guidance.

The public can to do their part to protect their community by consistently taking the following actions:

• WEAR A FACE MASK: Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth covering

• WATCH YOUR DISTANCE: Keep at least 6 feet apart from others

• WASH YOUR HANDS: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds

The public can reduce the risk of becoming COVID-19 positive by leaving a place where guidelines are not being followed, people are not masking or social distancing, or the gathering is too large. Together, we can move beyond this pandemic.

For more information:

Go to IDPH and CDC websites.

• http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931.

July 31, 2020 (SPRINGFIELD) - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 11 counties in Illinois are considered to be at a warning level for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A county enters a warning level when it experiences an increase in two or more COVID-19 risk indicators from the state's COVID-19 Resurgence Mitigation plan.

Read Full Press Release >>

July 14, 2020 (NORTHERN ILLINOIS ROCKFORD REGION) – The Health Departments in the Northern Illinois Rockford Region (NIR-HDs) remind residents that COVID-19 is still spreading in our communities. The NIR-HDs urge the public to take simple steps to protect each other from COVID-19 and manage their risk. Together, we can move beyond this pandemic.

What The Public Can Do:

• Protect Your Community:

Take the following action to prevent the spread and protect others

• WEAR A FACE MASK: Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth to help prevent the spread of the virus to others, especially those with underlying health conditions.

• WATCH YOUR DISTANCE: Keep at least 6 feet apart from others.

• WASH YOUR HANDS: Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds frequently to prevent spread.

• Manage Your Risk:

Reduce the risk of becoming COVID-19 positive:

• LIMIT YOUR TIME: When possible, limit your time with others not in your household to less than 15 minutes. The more time you spend around others, the greater your risk of exposure.

• GO OUTSIDE: When getting together, outdoors is safer than inside to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• LEAVE WHEN NEEDED: Leave if guidelines are not being followed, there are others around not masking or social distancing, or there are too many people around.

• Answer The Call:

The NIR-HDs are working hard to help protect the community from COVID-19 and provide resources to those who have been infected by or exposed to the virus. We need your help. If you receive a call or text message from your local health department, answer or return the call. If you are positive for COVID-19, your local health department will provide information to support isolation at home and will ask for information on your recent activities and contacts.

For more information:

Go to IDPH and CDC websites. http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931

400,000 Illinois residents set to return to work as state moves into Phase 4 on June 26; New guidelines will allow key leisure, recreation and business sectors to safely reopen.

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker today released plans to safely continue reopening businesses and industries as Illinois moves into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan. Working with public health officials and business representatives, guidelines were developed to keep workers and customers safe as the economy recovers. All four regions of the state are currently on track to move into Phase 4 on June 26 as the state continues to make significant progress in reducing new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, with the average 7-day statewide case positivity rate falling to just 2.5 percent as of June 20.

Phase 4 allows for the safe reopening or expansion of several key business segments – such as health and fitness, movies and theater, museums and zoos, as well as indoor dining at restaurants. Phase 4 also allows for expanded gathering sizes, increasing the limit from 10 in Phase 3, to 50 people or fewer. This expanded gathering limit extends to key activities like meetings, events, and funerals. For full guidance and other resources visit: Illinois.gov/businessguidelines.

“Over the last four months, Illinoisans have pulled together with the common mission of keeping each other safe. By staying home and practicing social distancing, the rate of new COVID-19 cases continues to drop and each region throughout the state is prepared to move to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Science and data are the overarching guardrails for how Illinois will keep moving forward. By continuing to wear face coverings and following the guidance from health experts we can continue to safely reopen our economy and move forward together.

“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,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “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.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) collaborated closely with local governments, businesses, and other stakeholders in the development of guidelines for Phase 4. In all, more than 150 businesses and regional partners were consulted on the guidelines developed with IDPH to ensure alignment with the State’s Restore Framework and the latest public health data.

“From the beginning, our administration has worked tirelessly to find solutions for businesses and communities impacted by this crisis so they can reopen safely,” said DCEO Acting Director, Michael Negron. “These new guidelines for Phase 4 represent our continued progress in overcoming the virus and will make way for hundreds of thousands more to return to work, and for more Illinoisans and Illinois businesses to come back into the economy.”

To ensure businesses can reopen safely, the state released a common set of standards expected of all employers, while also outlining industry-specific guidelines using a risk-based approach to support unique operational needs of businesses across the state. Industry guidance will help businesses and residents feel safe in returning to many of these new activities that have been closed for the past several months.

Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan creates safety guidelines for the following permitted activities and businesses to resume, with capacity rules in place:

• Meetings and events: Venues and meeting spaces can resume with the lesser of up to 50 people OR 50% of overall room capacity. Multiple groups are permitted given facilities have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups. This includes activities such as conferences and weddings.

• Indoor and Outdoor recreation: Revised guidelines to allow select indoor recreation facilities (e.g., bowling alleys, skating rinks), as well as clubhouses to reopen. Indoor recreation to operate at lesser of 50 customers OR 50% of facility capacity with outdoor recreation allowing group sizes of up to 50, and permitting multiple groups given facilities have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups; concessions permitted with restrictions.

• Indoor Dining: Indoor dining can reopen with groups of 10 or less, with tables spaced 6-feet apart in seated areas and with standing areas at no more than 25% of capacity.

• Museums: Can reopen with no more than 25% occupancy, and with interactive exhibits and rides closed; guided tours should be limited to 50 people or fewer per group; museums should have a plan to limit congregation via advance ticket sales and timed ticketing; concessions permitted with restrictions.

• Zoos: Can reopen with no more than 25% occupancy, and with interactive exhibits, indoor exhibits, and rides closed; guided tours should be limited to 50 people or fewer per group; zoos should have a plan to limit congregation via advance ticket sales and timed ticketing; concessions permitted with restrictions.

• Cinema and Theatre: Indoor seated theaters, cinemas, and performing arts centers to allow admission of the lesser of up to 50 guests OR 50% of overall theater or performance space capacity (applies to each screening room); outdoor capacity limited to 20% of overall theater or performance space capacity; concessions permitted with restrictions.

• Outdoor seated spectator events: Outdoor spectator sports can resume with no more than 20% of seating capacity; concessions permitted with restrictions.
  Film production: Allow no more than 50% of sound stage or filming location capacity; crowd scenes should be limited to 50 people or fewer.

Industries with revised guidelines in Phase 4:

• Youth and Recreational Sports: Revised guidelines allow competitive gameplay and tournaments; youth and recreational sports venues can operate at 50% of facility capacity, 20% seating capacity for spectators, and group sizes up to 50 with multiple groups permitted during practice and competitive games given venues have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups; concessions permitted with restrictions.

• Health and fitness centers: Revised guidelines allow gyms to open at 50% capacity and allow group fitness classes of up to 50 people with new safety guidelines for indoors, with multiple groups permitted given facilities have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups.

• Day camps: Water-based activities permitted in accordance with IDPH guidelines; no more than 50% of facility capacity with group size of no more than 15 participants in a group, unless participants changing weekly.

Additionally, retail, service counters, offices, personal care (including salons, barber, nail salons), manufacturing and other industries allowed to reopen in Phase 3 will continue to operate at a reduced capacity.

To help businesses prepare to reopen and remain in compliance with new guidelines over the next two weeks, DCEO has released a new set of downloadable materials. Business toolkits are complete with signage, training checklists and other resources to help business owners and workers implement safety procedures and adhere to the latest capacity restrictions. Materials for businesses and operators pertaining to Phases 3 and 4 of the Restore Plan, can be found at Illinois.gov/businessguidelines.

During Phase 4, common public health standards remain in effect – including the use of face coverings and social distancing. Industry-specific guidelines may vary but are designed to help employers, workers and residents feel safe in transitioning to the next phase of reopening the state. All industries should continue to conduct regular cleanings, employee health screenings upon entry and mid-shift, and allow employees who can continue working from home to do so.

The state’s move to Phase 4 of the plan is expected to bring approximately 400,000 additional Illinoisans back to the workplace across all industries. While Phase 4 marks the return of 7 percent of the state’s workforce, it accounts for about $30 billion in annual GDP returned to operations and represents continuous progress towards fully reopening the state’s economy.

Phase 4 guidelines were designed by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to ensure that as more activities and businesses resume operations, policies are in place to protect the health and safety of Illinois residents.

To help businesses that have been impacted or closed as a result of COVID-19, earlier this week Governor Pritzker announced an additional $85 million will be made available through two new grant programs designed to help alleviate the burden for businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. The new Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG) will make $60 million available for up to 3,500 businesses experiencing losses and/or unable to fully reopen until Phase 4 or 5. This program is earmarked specifically for restaurants which haven’t been permitted to allow outdoor dining, health and fitness centers, barbershops and salons, and other businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) of the state.

The second initiative, the Distressed Capital Program brings forward $25 million in Rebuild Illinois capital funds to help those businesses sustaining damages as a result of events related to civil unrest begin to restore and repair. Both programs will give priority to minority-owned businesses, or businesses located in DIAs. Together, these programs mark over $150 million in assistance made available since the onset of COVID-19 to help businesses with urgent needs. More information on these programs and other available grant opportunities can be found on DCEO's website.

“Today’s announcement confirms that the state of Illinois is ready to safely reopen,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association. “As one of the most highly regulated industries when it comes to health and sanitation standards, restaurants are ready and equipped to safely welcome guests back for dine-in service, and with the world-class hospitality diners have missed. These guidelines will also greatly help restaurants begin to recover from this catastrophic business period. We commend Governor Pritzker and his team on a well-informed approach that keeps public health the priority while acknowledging restaurants’ expertise and giving our industry hope for a rebound.”

“We think the state's Phase IV guidelines are a good step forward to getting the film production industry back to work and to where we were before the shut down,” said Mark Hogan, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer of IATSE Local 476 Chicago Studio Mechanics. “We are making the safety of our crews priority number one, and we will work within these guidelines to ensure everyone on a production remains safe and healthy."

"As a minority woman in a male dominated industry, the State's minority owned business grant presents boundless opportunities for the continued growth and competitiveness of my company -- all while we continue to navigate the impacts of this crisis,” said Edith De La Cruz, President of Antigua Construction. “State assistance will allow me to move from a small storefront operation to a new company headquarters with dedicated space for project management, estimating and a training center. I am grateful to the Governor and the State of Illinois for their continued guidance on reopening and for putting in place programs to help minority and women owned businesses succeed.”

“When we learned we were awarded a $10,000 DCEO Hospitality Emergency Grant, we were not only thankful, but relieved,” said Casa Mia Lounge and Restaurant owner Phil Hoffman. “The grant helped us get through May, and now new state guidance allows us to look forward to Phase 4 and fully reopening when it is safe to do so.”

“The advertising industry is anxious to begin filming commercial work again and progressing to phase 4 will allow many more productions to consider filming in Illinois safely,” said Lisa Masseur, AICP Midwest President and EP / Founder of Tessa Films. “We look forward to the influx in business and getting back to work safely with the local talent and crew in IL.”

“The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs surveyed thousands of our members across the state and participated in countless peer learning discussions with Y’s across the country who have reopened safely. We are grateful to DCEO for allowing us the opportunity to share this feedback as they solicited input for reopening fitness centers and youth sports programs safely during Phase 4,” said Mike Wennekamp, President of the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs and CEO of Two Rivers YMCA. "As the leader in making healthy lifestyles accessible to everyone in Illinois, regardless of income or background, our top priority is always the safety of every YMCA constituent, employee and guest.”

“No one works harder to promote health and fitness than the 58,000 Illinoisans of the health club and fitness studio industry,” said Steven Schwartz, CEO of Midtown Athletic Clubs and Chair of the Illinois Fitness Alliance. “Clubs and studios are excited to welcome their members back to a safe and clean environment to resume their fitness routines. A strong immune system is the best defense and nothing takes a bigger toll on your body than a sedentary lifestyle. Our industry is made up of small businesses and we’ve been taken to the brink. These guidelines are a first step for clubs and studios to get back on their feet. We appreciate The Governor’s team of DCEO and IDPH staff working with us to safely reopen. We are committed to making Illinois stronger!”

“Today's announcement marks the first steps forward for our cultural sector to begin its gradual reopening process for museums, cinemas, and performing arts venues,” said Claire Rice, Executive Director, Arts Alliance Illinois. “We look forward to continuing to work with Illinois public health officials as Phase 4 progresses, to prioritize health and safety while exploring every possible opportunity to get our incredible creative community working and fully contributing to the innovation and inspiration economy across our state once again.”

“Very early during this pandemic, DCEO was ray of light during a time when no one knew what was happening, what was next,” said Johanna Torres, CEO of the Language Loop, LLC. “Thanks to DCEO’s guidance and immeasurable support, my small business was able to obtain funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program that we desperately needed to continue providing our language training services. We also appreciate the guidance provided to businesses like our so that we can make plans to reopen in a way that's safe for our employees as well as customers.”

May 21, 2020 (BELVIDERE) — Boone County leaders are getting ready to reopen parts of their communities with a new initiative to guide small businesses.

"It seems like we took a step forward, and the light is there," says Village of Poplar Grove President Owen Costanza. "Our businesses are all going to face that they were told that it was unsafe to go to these places. We now have to win back our employees that we have a safe environment, we have a plan for them. We have to tell the consumer it's safe to do these things."

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker changed his phase three plans to include reopening restaurants for outdoor seating. "We are a community of small businesses, we are a community with a lot of taverns and small restaurants," says Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain. "And the restaurant thing has really hurt a lot of people."

Boone County community partners teamed up with the health department to try and help ease that hurt.

"We look forward to moving into phase three," says Amanda Mehl of the Boone County Health Department. "We've had a strong Boone County leadership group meeting now for a handful of weeks."

Read the Full Channel 23 WIFR news story HERE.

May 21, 2020 (BELVIDERE) — On Thursday, Boone County made a new resource available to share safety guidelines with businesses preparing to reopen.

The website is called Forward Boone County, and it follows Illinois Gov. JB Prtizker’s announcement that bars and restaurants with outdoor seating can reopen on May 29th.

“The website has all kinds of information and links to sector-specific businesses that will be reopening, starting on the 29th,” said Belvidere Area of Commerce director, Amy Grafton. “So, not only restaurants and bars, but other businesses as well.”

The site serves as a one-stop-shop for information on safety guidelines and new regulations as businesses adjust to living with COVID-19.

“It’s a checklist for businesses to go through as they are preparing to reopen over the next 10 days, and a checklist they can view daily or weekly, as their businesses are open, to make sure they are in compliance.”

Heather Steins owns three Belvidere restaurants, including The Shortline, and she says she’s ready.

“Tables will be six feet apart, and then [we’ll be implementing] increased sanitation out here as well, as we have the opportunity to get back inside,” Steins said. “We have very narrow buildings, so we’re going to do the best that we can to maximize our space, while also keeping everyone safe.”

In the meantime, Steins says she’s grateful for the support she’s received from the community.

“I think we’re all searching for a return to a new normal, so we’re excited for that new normal,” she said. “We’ve learned so much along the way, and are now offering a lot of adaptations because of this process.”

Read the Full Channel 13 WTVO news story HERE.

May 20, 2020 (BOONE COUNTY, IL) – Moving forward, together. That’s the buzz phrase in Boone County these days. Boone County organizations, business partners and local officials teamed up with the Boone County Health Department to move forward, together.

Collaboratively, the community partners, known as Forward Boone County, have identified the most relevant resources and guidelines available to aide businesses as they look to re-open amid COVID-19 impacts.

Creating a one-stop shop for Boone County businesses, the Boone County Health Department and county partners launched a shared website which can be viewed at https://sites.google.com/view/forwardboonecounty. Each community partner’s website will display a shared image linking visitors to the same resources and information. This unified approach allows Boone County to display and support consistent messaging and materials.

As the state prepares to enter Phase III on May 29th, Forward Boone County remains actively engaged in daily conversations with the Boone County Health Department, local elected officials and Boone County organizations to determine safe opening guidelines. Boone County has taken a public health approach to reopening, using science-based and data-driven metrics to determine safe and effective ways for businesses to welcome customers back through their doors. Recognizing that there are economic and financial stresses associated with COVID-19 impacts, they continue to work diligently to accommodate the needs of the entire community.

“Boone County is committed to providing our businesses, residents and patrons a safe place to live, play, work and shop,” stated Amanda Mehl, Boone County Health Department Public Health Administrator. “We want to see customers back in our businesses as soon as possible, while understanding there may need to be some safety modifications.”

Some of those safety modifications will include continued social distancing and enhanced cleaning guidelines, among others. The types of safety protocols will differ from business to business and between industries. Resources identifying general practices and industry-specific guidelines will be available on the Forward Boone County website.

“The goal with our resources is not to have a blanket approach,” commented Pamela Lopez-Fettes, Growth Dimensions – Economic Development Executive Director. “Our business owners are the experts in their fields and we are not in a position to dictate to them what we ‘think’ is right. That is why we are providing them with vetted and trusted resources from local, state and national health and industry-based organizations.”

Currently, Boone County is developing a checklist to prepare businesses as they return to a more familiar business model. The checklist is meant to be a guide for businesses before, during and after reopening.

Expressing the importance of reassessment, Amy Grafton, Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director explained, “Once a business has reopened, we encourage them to continually reassess their procedures and safety protocols. What may work on day one, may not work on day 25.” She continued, “Our sharing of information doesn’t stop the day our businesses reopen. We’re here with them for the long haul.”

May 19, 2020 (BELVIDERE) — While Winnebago County restaurants prepare to possibly open up early, other counties say reopening might have to wait.

A localized phased reopening plan is in the works for June 1 for Freeport and the rest of Stephenson County.

Meanwhile Boone County is taking a different approach.

The Boone County Health Department says it's not submitting a proposal to open early and is working hand-in-hand with local leaders to follow the governor's Restore Illinois plan.

The state's plan doesn't have restaurants reopening for at least another month. But the City of Belvidere says sticking to the governor's plan doesn't mean restricting business.

Read the Full Channel 13 WREX news story HERE.

May 14, 2020 (Northern Illinois Rockford Region) - Northern Illinois Rockford Region – Currently, the local health departments (LHDs) in the Northern Illinois Rockford Region recognize that the region is operating in phase 2 of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois framework and working toward phase 3. The LHDs are monitoring the public health metrics to progress toward phase 3. For information on public health metrics, go to the IDPH website here: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/restore

While in phase 2 of the Restore Illinois framework, having residents in our communities stay at home as much as possible is vital to reducing the number of people who become severely ill or die from

COVID-19. At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent infection or widely available treatment for those who get COVID-19. The best tool we have to reduce morbidity and mortality is social distancing and reducing the number of people interacting with each other in our community. Staying home helps to ensure continued adequate hospital capacity and preserve personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. In addition, local health departments can more easily and quickly identify and quarantine contacts to positive cases when the majority of those contacts are staying home. This helps to continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

The LHDs are working with local businesses, organizations, and other community stakeholders to plan how to safely and confidently re-open when our region is ready to progress to the next phase. All businesses and organizations will need to partner with their local health department to promptly identify potential infections in their environments including having policies and record keeping procedures in place to be able to notify their local public health department of potential close contacts when an employee, customer, or client tests positive for COVID-19. Some businesses may need to change the way they operate including offering curbside service. Restaurants may need to serve fewer customers inside, seated further apart, and by reservation only.

The LHDs want the community to know that some changes to our lives will need to be made to safely coexist with COVID-19. These changes may include needing to continue to wear facemasks, limiting the number of people we come in contact with each day, and limiting time spent in a location. In order to prevent setbacks, we need to move forward together, cautiously, and with purpose. While in phase 2, the public is asked to continue to spend time with only those in your household, only go out for essentials, and wear a mask when leaving your home, especially when a distance of 6ft from others cannot be maintained.

For more information:

Go to IDPH and CDC websites.

https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931.

May 5, 2020 (Chicago) - Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced a plan to re-open the state.

The plan is called "Restore Illinois" and will operate on a "region-by-region basis," Pritzker said.

The four regions are as such: northeast Illinois, north central Illinois, central Illinois and southern Illinois. The northern Illinois region, including Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Lee counties, are in the North-Central region.

Read the Full Channel 13 WREX news story HERE.