Due to limited vaccine supplies, not everyone eligible that day can get vaccinated on the first day of eligibility.
Sources tell ABC7 that Gov. Pritzker also plans to announce that the state will add a bridging phase between phases 4 and 5 that will be science-based, but with incremental approaches to phase 5.
The step between phases 4 and 5 creates greater capacity limits for bars and restaurants, social gatherings, museums and zoos, etc., depending on whether they are indoors or outdoors. Bars in particular will be at 20%, but the two-meter social distance will still be required.
Details of the bridge plan, including when it will begin, will be announced by the governor at a Thursday morning press conference.
ALSO SEE | The Chicago Phase 1C vaccine start date is set for March 29
Chicago also announced on Wednesday that it will expand its vaccine eligibility to Phase 1C on March 29.
“I’m excited because I’ve tried it, and I can’t get it,” said Christopher Hunt, owner of Seek Vintage. “So that means I might be able to get it.”
And in addition to shop staff, people in the hospitality industry, personal care, legal building and more are also eligible in phase 1C.
Hotel staff are also eligible, at a time when the city is on the verge of reopening conventions.
“In order to ensure that our staff has access to this vaccine before we welcome more and more guests, I think the two will go together,” said Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Assoc.
In 1C, Chicagoans 16 to 64 are also eligible, but only if they have chronic health conditions. The state will lift that health requirement for that group on April 12, but it’s unclear whether the city will do the same.
The suburban Cook County is expanding its eligibility starting Monday, March 22, as the county moves to Phase 1B +, which includes people under 65 with underlying conditions.
Cook County public health officials said the decision was based in part on the promise of more vaccine doses on the way.
“We have had indications that supply will increase, and yes, that played a role in our decision-making,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, Cook County Dept. of Public Health.
The county said nearly 70% of seniors have received at least one dose, and progress is also leading to this expansion announcement.
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