April 19, 2024
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Health region including La Salle, Bureau, Livingston, Putnam counties could enter Phase 4 as soon as Monday

Bars may reopen in Phase 4; high-risk sports would get the go-ahead to proceed

By Derek Barichello

Phase 4 guidelines would allow for the return of bar service officially and allow bars that do not serve food to reopen. (Michael Krabbenhoeft)

If the positivity rate in the health region that includes La Salle, Bureau, Livingston and Putnam counties remains below 6.5% again Monday, the region will qualify for Phase 4 guidelines.

Under Phase 4, bars would be allowed to reopen officially with capacity limits and all gatherings of 50 or fewer people would be able to proceed. All outdoor recreation will be allowed.

The IHSA also said regions that qualify for Phase 4 will be allowed to play intraconference games in higher risk sports, including football, basketball and wrestling.

Region 2 is currently operating under Tier 1 — which allows for limited indoor dining, but maintains bars that do not serve food must remained closed. Under phase 4, that would be lifted.

Also under Phase 4, indoor dining and bar service capacities expand to allow for groups of 10 or less, with tables spaced six-feet apart in seated areas and with standing areas at no more than 25% of capacity.

The region has qualified for Phase 4 guidelines in two areas: hospitalizations and ICU bed availability. It needs another day of positivity rates below 6.5% to qualify for Phase 4.

As was the case when Region 2 moved into Tier 1, the Illinois Department of Public Health will acknowledge the qualification officially and give instructions for the region to proceed.