SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (KMOX) - Illinois Region 4 is set to be lowered to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois pandemic mitigation plan on Thursday, providing metrics continue in their current direction. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Wednesday the region - including St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, Bond, Clinton, Washington and Randolph counties - will meet the three-consecutive days criteria if the test positivity rate continues at or below 6.5-percent and ICU bed capacity remains below 20-percent.
The change from Tier 3 to Phase 4 means bars and restaurants would allow limited indoor service, with tables at least 6-feet apart, with no more than 10 people in a group. Competitive sports could also resume with up to 50 spectators. Concessions may also be sold there.
Metro East high schools have been awaiting the signal to schedule boys and girls basketball games after practice was allowed to begin in late January. Gyms and fitness centers could operate at up to 50% capacity.
The final word on transitioning to Phase 4 in Region 4 and the Metro East is expected from the IDPH early Thursday.
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