February 3, 2021 -- The Illinois Department of Public Health announced that Region 9 (Lake and McHenry Counties) advanced to Phase 4 effective immediately on February 3, 2021. In Region 9, the seven-day rolling average remained below 6.5% for three consecutive days, and metrics regarding hospitalizations and ICU capacity were met. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity issued Phase 4 guidelines. DCEO also provides information for each sector.
The State of Illinois provides more information about the provisions and expansions of Phase 4, and industry-specific guidelines for reopening.
IDPH will continue to closely monitor test positivity, ICU bed availability, and the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19. Should metrics trend in the wrong direction, regions could once again find themselves in a higher tier with increased mitigation measures. Open does not mean over. To remain in Phase 4, everyone must do their part by following all of the 3W's, all the time.
State Order: Phase 4 Guidelines In Effect for Region 9
Phase 4 guidelines will remain in effect until COVID-19 data indicates that resurgence mitigations are warranted. Highlights of Phase 4 include:
- Indoor dining: Indoor dining continues with social distancing and masking guidelines. Keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Dining groups are limited to 10 individuals or fewer.
- Capacity for standing areas is limited; please maintain a distance from others and wear a face covering at all times in standing areas.
- Provide contact information for contact tracing.
- Seated areas should be arranged so that tables allow for 6 feet between parties.
- Wear a mask when not eating or drinking, including before your meal arrives and after your meal is finished. Masks should cover the mouth and nose. Wear your mask if you need to cough or sneeze.
- Gatherings: Social gatherings of up to 50 individuals are permitted under Phase 4 guidelines, room capacity permitting. The CDC continues to encourage individuals to limit gatherings to household members as much as possible.
- Indoor & Outdoor Recreation: Phase 4 guidelines continue to apply. In Tier 1, most indoor recreation facilities reopened with capacity limits in place. However, indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks should remain closed.
- Capacity limits of no more than 50% occupancy continue for retail and personal care businesses. More detailed information is available here.
State & Local Order: Face Covering Requirements
Highland Park implemented a face covering requirement for all individuals over the age of two on April 20, 2020. A statewide mandate followed on May 1, 2020. Face coverings are required in indoor public settings and in outdoor public settings when unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. Learn more at cityhpil.com/facecoverings.
State Order: Gatherings Limited to a Maximum of 50 Persons
In Phase 4, gatherings are limited to the lesser of 50 persons or 50% of room capacity, for outdoor as well as indoor events. This applies to business and social gatherings such as public events, parties, sleepovers, in-person business or personal meetings, holiday dinners, mitzvahs, weddings, and birthday parties. Although the CDC continues to discourage social gatherings, if attending a gathering is necessary, individuals should wear face coverings and maintain social distancing at all times.
Public Health Advisory: Avoid Travel; Quarantine Upon Return
The Lake County Health Department strongly discourages all non-essential travel, although this is not a requirement. The City of Highland Park has advised that those who must travel quarantine for 14 days immediately upon return to Highland Park. Learn more about these recommendations here.
The local orders referenced above have been issued pursuant to the City's Declaration of Emergency, which was first issued on March 14, 2020, and most recently renewed at the City Council meeting on January 25, 2021.
Visit cityhpil.com/covid-19 to learn more about the City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the City of Highland Park does not have its own health department, individuals are encouraged to contact the Lake County Health Department at 800.889.3931 with questions concerning COVID-19, city and county-level metrics, and testing.