reopen illinois

Illinois restaurants and bars can sell curbside cocktails according to new legislation, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Tuesday. With efforts to expand the hospitality industry in phase 3 of reopening, Pritzker signed a bill allowing the sale of cocktails by bars and restaurants with liquor licenses for pickup and delivery. Cocktails can only be delivered in a sealed, labeled container with…

As Illinois prepares to move into phase three at the end of the week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker held his daily coronavirus briefing downstate touching on daily statistics, nursing home updates and Illinois River flooding preparations. NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern reports.

The city’s iconic riverboats are ready to move again, but now with several new precautionary measures for riders. NBC 5’s Chris Hush reports.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning of unusual or aggressive rat behavior as the coronavirus pandemic leaves many restaurants shut down or running on limited service. Rodents rely on the food and waste generated from restaurants and other commercial establishments, especially in population dense areas, according to the CDC. The rats are now searching elsewhere. “Environmental health…

Though Starved Rock plans to open Friday, visitors should not expect to experience the state park at its full capacity. Due to state health guidelines and recent flooding, visitors will likely experience parking restrictions, trail access closures and temporary closures of the sites when parking lots reach capacity. Starved Rock expects the heaviest traffic congestion and possible park closures to…

Chicago workers should expect a different commute as they return to work in likely early June. In the Loop, commuters will see streets being cleaned, restaurants using outdoor seating methods and local retailers open at limited capacities, according to Michael Edwards, president and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “Since Gov. Pritzker’s stay at home order, the Loop has consistently...

Though movie theaters cannot open until phase four of Illinois’ reopening plan, the industry released a plan Wednesday to safely welcome movie-goers through their doors. Under the proposed plan by the National Association of Theater Owners, movie theaters could safely reopen if the following criteria is met: Auditorium attendance is limited to 50% of their seat capacity All employees undergo…

As more businesses prepare to open doors entering phase three of the governor’s reopening plan, Cantigny Park in Wheaton will began its phased reopening starting June 1. As of next Monday, grounds-only access to the park will be open for Cantigny Park members and Honors Club members from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. every day. Cantigny said it will limit…

All Secretary of State departments and offices will reopen for business on June 1, but driver services facilities will have varying dates and times and some will even have extended hours. NBC 5’s Christian Farr reports.

As youth summer camps in Illinois plan to reopen in phase three, parents and children should expect differences from previous years. NBC 5’s Chris Coffey reports.

Six Flags announced Tuesday its amusement parks, including Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, will require guests and employees to use updated precautionary measures as the parks prepare to reopen soon. The announcement came in light of new businesses reopening in Illinois and part of the Midwest amid the coronavirus pandemic. When amusement parks are able to open, Six Flags…

As some churches in Chicago reopen despite the governor’s stay-at-home order, protesters on Sunday said in person services are causing high risk to neighbors. The Metro Praise International church in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood has been holding in person services for the past two weeks. Joseph Wyrostek, pastor at Metro Praise International, waved the church’s flag at a protest...

Some Illinois counties called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Saturday to lift restrictions across the state to prevent the spread of coronavirus, saying they are causing extreme economic harm. On Saturday, a rally drew hundreds of demonstrators calling on leaders to reopen businesses, encouraging each county to have their own reopening policy. “If you feel...

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s daily coronavirus new briefing provided numbers on increased cases and testing, along with updates on Illinois’ reopening plan. NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern reports.

\tAS THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC CONTINUES, ELECTIVE SURGERIES CAN RESUME IN ILLINOIS THIS WEEK.\t
\tTHAT HAS MANY SURGEONS PUTTING NEW PROTOCOLS IN PLACE WITH SAFETY IN MIND.
\tNBC 5’S LAUREN PETTY HAS MORE.

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Salon owners in Illinois want to be ready for when they can open in phase 3 of Pritzker’s reopening plan, so they are preparing now. NBC 5’s Christian Farr reports.

\tIT’S A VERY DIFFERENT PICTURE FOR RESTAURANT AND BAR OWNERS IN ILLINOIS. THEY ARE STILL FACING AN UNCERTAIN TIMELINE TO OPEN THEIR DOORS.
\t SOME BARS HOPING TO OFFER CARRYOUT DRINKS TO KEEP THEIR BUSINESS GOING.. ARE NOW LOCKED IN A BATTLE WITH THE STATE.
\tHERE’S NBC 5’S KATE CHAPPEL.
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The mayor of south suburban Orland Park posted a video to social media on Thursday speaking out against part of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s phased plan to reopen Illinois. In the video, Mayor Keith Pekau said he believes the governor’s plan to reopen the state is unreasonable and argued businesses in Orland Park can’t wait much longer. “The governor’s...

The mayor of suburban Orland Park on Thursday said he believes the governor’s plan to reopen the state is unreasonable and argued businesses in Orland Park can’t wait much longer. NBC 5’s Patrick Fazio reports.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said an effective coronavirus treatment could be on the horizon and “that will change everything” as Illinois looks at reopening during the coronavirus pandemic. Under Pritzker’s five-phased reopening plan, Illinois would not be able to move into phase five without a vaccine or highly-effective treatment, a provision that has many residents questioning when that will be....