Galesburg Reporter

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is backtracking his original plan to reopen the state, angering many Illinois residents in the process after he presented his Bridge To Phase 5 plan.

The Bridge To Phase 5 states that once 70% of residents over the age of 65 are vaccinated, and there isn't a reversal in hospitalizations and deaths in the state within 28 days, the state can begin increased indoor and outdoor capacity limits. After 50% of residents, 16 and older, have been vaccinated after a 28-day waiting period, the state can fully transition to phase 5.

"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," Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Adams) 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."

Tracy wasn't the only lawmaker who seemed to be irritated with the governor's handling of the pandemic.

"I think Illinois should have freed up a little faster than they did," U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill) told WSILTV. "I've watched other states that have been very successful and have less spread of the virus than the state of Illinois did with all the lockdowns."

After the Bridge plan's announcement, Bost has been encouraging residents to get vaccinated so that schools can get back to normal.

"I'm glad to hear that it's freeing up and getting, not a new normal, but back to normal," Bost said.

Although the state needs to see 70% of residents 65 and older be vaccinated, the state is currently at 58%

After the state hits the 70% mark, indoor capacity would increase from 50 to 250 and outdoor capacity would increase from 100 to 500.