Due to the limited supply of vaccines, not everyone who may be eligible that day will be able to be vaccinated on the first day they are eligible.
According to sources, the ABC7 Pritzker government also plans to announce that the state will add a bridge phase between phases 4 and 5 that will be based on science, but will offer incremental approaches to phase 5.
The transition between phase 4 and 5 will allow for larger capacity limits for bars and restaurants, social gatherings, museums and zoos, etc., depending on whether they are indoors or outdoors. Bars, in particular, will be allowed 20% foot capacity, but will still need 6-foot social distancing.
The decision comes after weeks of meetings …
“We are working with industry leaders,” Governor Pritzker said. “We are working with our IDPH doctors and other state experts.”
Details of the bridge plan, including when it will begin, will be announced during a press conference Thursday morning by the governor.
SEE ALSO | The Chicago Phase 1C vaccine start date has been set for March 29th
Chicago also announced Wednesday that it will expand eligibility for the phase 1C vaccine on March 29th.
“I’m excited because I’ve tried it and I can’t get it,” said Christopher Hunt, owner of Seek Vintage. “So now it means I can get it.”
And along with retail workers, hostels, personal care services, law building and more are eligible for phase 1C.
Hotel workers are also eligible, at a time when the city is ready to reopen the conventions.
“I think our staff has access to this vaccine before we start welcoming more and more guests, I think the two go together,” said Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Assoc.
In 1C, children ages 16 to 64 are also eligible, but only if they have chronic illnesses. The state will raise this health requirement for this group on April 12, but it is unclear whether the city will do the same.
Suburban Cook County is expanding its eligibility starting Monday, March 22, as the county moves to Phase 1B +, which includes people under the age of 65 with underlying conditions.
Cook County public health officials said the decision was made in part based on the promise of more doses of vaccine along the way.
“We’ve got some indications that supply will increase and yes, that did influence our decision making,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, Cook County public health department.
The county said nearly 70 percent of its seniors have received at least one dose, and that progress is also leading to this expansion announcement.
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