PEORIA, Ill. — Phase 5, a full reopening of Illinois, will be a welcome sight to many Illinoisans, but especially businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase 5, which goes into effect Friday, will lift all capacity limits on all businesses throughout the state for the first time since the pandemic began.
However, as many restaurants and hospitality businesses deal with staff shortages, area leaders are urging patience as businesses adjust.
“We obviously still have some issues with workforce and being able to handle the increased capacity,” said Great Peoria Economic Development Council CEO Chris Setti. “In many ways, [reopening] is really good for our communities and businesses as summer approaches.”
Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO JD Dalfonso echoed Setti’s thoughts, saying it will take time to adjust.
“Despite the ability to reopen fully, the staff to support it is not there yet,” said Dalfonso. “Please know they’re fighting everything they can to make sure your experience is golden.”
Both Dalfonso and Setti said wait times at restaurants and other businesses may be longer than usual as businesses adjust to full-capacity, likely without being fully-staffed.
“Show a little grace as business owners wrestle with what the changes to their business models have been and for business owners to understand their patrons might have changed as well,” said Setti.
Masks will likely continue to be commonplace in society, and businesses may continue requiring them, according to Setti.
“Everybody has to be comfortable with what everybody else decides,” said Setti. “If a business is deciding they still want their patrons to be masked, then people have to respect that.
“On the opposite end, you still have those options of carry-out or curbside pickup [if you choose to continue wearing a mask].”
Dalfonso said safety measures, like wearing masks, will remain in place for quite some time.
“It’s going to remain a norm for us for years to come,” said Dalfonso. “We’ll be excited to be in a safe environment, but we’re taking additional precautions as we move forward in life.”
Mask requirements for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals continue to align with CDC guidelines in Phase 5.
Full interview with Setti:
Full interview with Dalfonso:
