After two months of struggling to survive with only takeout and delivery services to keep them afloat, local restaurant owners finally see a glimmer of hope on the horizon. 

On Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that declining rates of COVID-19 infection and increasing hospital capacity have made it possible to ease some restrictions placed upon businesses in mid-March. That’s when Pritzker issued an executive order banning indoor dining in an effort to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Pritzker said the state is on track to begin phase 3 of the reopening plan called Restore Illinois by the end of May. At that time, restaurants would be able to serve patrons on-site in outdoor settings. 

On patios and other open-air spaces, restaurants can serve diners at tables placed at least 6 feet apart and away from sidewalks. Staff will be required to wear face coverings.

“We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of creativity from every corner of the state during this crisis,” Pritzker said, noting the move would provide the hard-hit hospitality industry a much-needed boost.

Pritzker urged municipalities to do whatever is in their power to help restaurants take advantage of the opportunity for this semi-reopening.

Angela Mesaros, Homewood economic development director, said the village supports the governor’s plan, and the board of trustees will consider a measure at its May 26 meeting to allow restaurants and bars open for outdoor service at the start of phase 3.

Homewood’s measure includes a waiver of outdoor liquor license requirements until such time as the governor’s office allows restaurants and bars to reopen at full capacity, including interior spaces.

Julie Lawton, president of the Homewood Business Association, welcomed the news, noting it will be an opportunity to start to reverse the negative financial effects of the governor’s stay-at-home order.

“We understand that the stay at home order was necessary, and reopening will take a lot of thought, effort and working together to continue to make safety for our community a priority,” Lawton said. 

“This is definitely a positive step in the right direction for all of the Homewood-Flossmoor businesses. I am looking forward to safely dining al fresco at one of our many wonderful local restaurants soon.”

Maureen Mader, president of the Flossmoor Business Association, said she would meet with village officials Friday to discuss how they can work together to support restaurants through this transition.

Pritzker offered cautious optimism during the daily briefing on Wednesday. 

“We are by no means out of the woods, but directionally, things are getting better. And because of these advances, we are able to make some modifications to allow more activity during phase 3 of our reopening plan Restore Illinois,” Pritzker said. 

“Our mission has always been to get people back to work, get students back to school and return to as much normalcy as possible without jeopardizing the health and safety of Illinoisans.”

He said the Illinois Department of Public Health would be posting industry-specific guidance for businesses to reference as phase 3 begins. 

Other changes with phase 3 announced Wednesday include easing restrictions on outdoor recreation, including golf courses, driving ranges, shooting ranges and paintball courses. 

Health clubs, gyms and fitness studios will be able to provide one-on-one personal training in indoor facilities and outdoor fitness classes of up to 10 people.

In addition, personal care services such as nail salons, tattoo shops, hair braiders, spas and barbershops can open with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits.

All retail stores can open their doors to in-person shopping, as long as they put in place IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits.