Illinois Governor Projects Churches May Not Fully Reopen for a Year Due to the Coronavirus

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) is projecting that it could take longer than a year for churches to safely have large gatherings again, according to his reopening plan.

During his press briefing on Wednesday, Pritzker unveiled his five-phase plan for reopening Illinois.

At one point during the briefing, Pritzker was asked to provide clarity on restrictions for church gatherings.

He was also asked about the possible timeline for church reopening because the five-phase plan does not allow gatherings of 50 people or less until phase four.

“You know that in phase three, there can be gatherings, church gatherings, of 10 or fewer. In phase four, 50 or fewer. So that’s the guidance that’s been given to me,” Pritzker said. “I’m not the one providing that guidance. It really is what the scientists and epidemiologists are recommending.”

See Pritzker’s comments below (starting at 39:10):

According to Pritzker’s plan, establishments or events scheduled to reopen or resume under phase five are categorized as those with gatherings of more than 50 people. This includes “conventions, festivals and large events are permitted, and all businesses, schools, and places of recreation,” per the report.

Establishments in that category would likely have to wait until a vaccine or “highly effective” treatment is available to safely reopen or resume.

Pritzker noted that the decision is not based on personal preference but rather on the guidance he is received from health experts.

Pritzer’s clarification on churches comes one day after he introduced the state’s five-phase plan on Tuesday. During that press briefing, he offered an overview of the five phases in which the state would reopen.

He noted the importance of learning how to co-exist with the virus as scientists and medical experts work to develop a viable vaccine.

“We have to figure out how to live with COVID-19 until it can be vanquished – and to do so in a way that best supports our residents’ health and our healthcare systems, and saves the most lives,” Pritzker said.

The state entered phase two last Friday. It is projected that the state will be in phase three as early as May 29. However, that May 29 date is contingent on coronavirus statistics, scientific data, and epidemiological findings as the month progresses.

Retail, barbershops, and salons are among some of the places that can reopen under phase three. Guidelines have to be followed under the phase and there is a limit of 10 people at maximum in gatherings.

Schools, restaurants, and bars are categorized under phase four reopenings.

As of Thursday morning, there are more than 68,200 positive coronavirus cases in the state of Illinois.