Sen. Jil Tracy goes after J.B. Pritzker's changing timeline with the Bridge Phase plan. | Courtesy Photo
Sen. Jil Tracy goes after J.B. Pritzker's changing timeline with the Bridge Phase plan. | Courtesy Photo
Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Bridge Phase to cover the gap between the fourth and fifth reopening stages is being couched as the state's chief executive yet again changing plans by Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy).
Pritzker revealed Bridge Phase March 18 would allow higher-capacity limits before fully moving into Phase 5. But critics of the governor believe that this is an unnecessary change to the plan of reopening.
"The governor appears to have altered his own Restore Illinois Plan, which clearly states that normal operations are based on 'Either a vaccine is developed to prevent additional spread of COVID-19, a treatment option is readily available that ensures health care capacity is no longer a concern, or there are no new cases over a sustained period.' It appears those conditions are being met," Tracy said in a Facebook post. "COVID-19 positivity rates continue to decline, and vaccination numbers and hospital capacity continue to increase. So why is the governor changing his plan and keeping the state from moving forward to Phase 5? Businesses and families need a path to normalcy."
Nevertheless, health officials in the state claim that the governor's plan is a solid one that is a proper response to the state's needs.
"Rather than flipping a switch and saying we're now in Phase 5, we're looking at it more like a dial – dialing back some of the capacity restrictions that helped reduce transmission, and ultimately the number of new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said in a statement. "We don't want to move too quickly and risk a significant reversal of our progress."
Tracy seems uncertain of the need for a transition stage, pointing to the evidence showing the strict measures taken have not been helping significantly.
"Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled his plan March 18 for a 'Bridge Phase' before Illinois is allowed to reopen in Phase 5. Despite some of the strictest COVID-19 mitigations in the country, the state's death toll remains higher than most other large states." said Tracy.
To reach bridge status, 70% of Illinois residents over the age of 65 must have the vaccine.
Only 58% of residents in Illinois have the vaccine at this time.
After moving from Phase 4 to 5, indoor events will increase from 50 person caps to 250 and outdoor events will move from 100 to 500.
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