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PHASE 2: FLATTENING
WHAT THIS PHASE LOOKS LIKE
The rise in the rate of infection is beginning to slow and stabilize. Hospitalizations and ICU bed usage continue to increase but are flattening, and hospital capacity remains stable. Face coverings must always be worn when social distancing is not possible. Testing capacity increases and tracing programs are put in place to contain outbreaks and limit the spread.
WHAT’S OPEN?
Gatherings: Essential gatherings, such as religious services, of 10 or fewer allowed; No non-essential gatherings
Travel: Non-essential travel discouraged
Health care: Emergency and COVID-19 care continue; Elective procedures allowed once IDPH criteria met
Education and child care: Remote learning in P-12 schools and higher education; Child care in groups of 10 or fewer for essential workers
Outdoor recreation: Walking, hiking, and biking permitted; Select state parks open; Boating and fishing permitted; Golf courses open; All with IDPH approved safety guidance
Businesses:
- Manufacturing: Essential manufacturing only
- “Non-essential” businesses: Employees of “non-essential” businesses are required to work from home except for Minimum Basic Operations
- Bars and restaurants: Open for delivery, pickup and drive-through only
- Personal care services and health clubs: Closed
- Retail: Essential stores are open with restrictions; Non-essential stores open for delivery and curbside pickup
HOW WE MOVE TO THE NEXT PHASE
Cases and Capacity: The determination of moving from Phase 2 to Phase 3 will be driven by the COVID-19 positivity rate in each region and measures of maintaining regional hospital surge capacity. This data will be tracked from the time a region enters Phase 2, onwards.
- At or under a 20 percent positivity rate and increasing no more than 10 percentage points over a 14-day period, AND
- No overall increase (i.e. stability or decrease) in hospital admissions for COVID-19-like illness for 28 days, AND
- Available surge capacity of at least 14 percent of ICU beds, medical and surgical beds, and ventilators
Testing: Testing available for all patients, health care workers, first responders, people with underlying conditions, and residents and staff in congregate living facilities
Tracing: Begin contact tracing and monitoring within 24 hours of diagnosis
WHAT COULD CAUSE US TO MOVE BACK
IDPH will closely monitor data and receive on-the-ground feedback from local health departments and regional healthcare councils and will recommend moving back to the previous phase based on the following factors:
- Sustained rise in positivity rate
- Sustained increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness
- Reduction in hospital capacity threatening surge capabilities
- Significant outbreak in the region that threatens the health of the region