Coronavirus Update: Illinois Reveals Reopening Plan Despite Highest Single-Day Death Toll

Illinois has logged its highest single-day death toll amid the unveiling of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's plan to reopen the economy in five phases.

State health officials revealed there were 176 new coronavirus-related deaths in Illinois on Tuesday, bringing the state-wide death count total to 2,838. New COVID-19 cases were at 2,122, rounding up Illinois' total cases of infection to 65,962.

Pritzker said the state's stay-at-home orders will remain in effect until May 30. However, the governor also unveiled his "Restore Illinois" plan to reopen businesses and return part of the public's activities.

"Restore Illinois is a public health plan to safely reintroduce the parts of our lives that have been put on hold in our fight against COVID-19," the governor said. "This is also a data-driven plan that operates on a region-by-region basis, a recognition that reality on the ground looks different in different areas of our state."

Pritzker added the state is currently on its second phase of reopening, titled "Flattening", where some non-essential retail businesses have been given the green light to restart their pickup and delivery services Friday. Outdoor activities, such as golfing and boating, have also resumed.

Phase 2 also outlines the need for people to wear face masks in public, as well as practice social distancing. Under the plan, no Illinois region can move to the third phase, titled "Recovery," until May 29.

Phase 3 will allow offices and manufacturing companies to open alongside salons, barbershops and other retailers. It has been projected this phase will entail fewer numbers of COVID-19 patients' admissions at hospitals and a decrease in ICU cases for at least 28 days.

The fourth phase, titled "Revitalization," will let establishments, including restaurants and bars, operate with 50 customers. This phase also covers the reopening of schools and childcare centers.

The final phase covers large mass gatherings like conventions and festivals, which the governor said will likely not be allowed for some time.

“It brings me no joy to say this, but based on what the experts tell us and everything we know about this virus and how easily it spreads in a crowd: large conventions, festivals and other major events will be on hold until we reach phase five,” Pritzker said.

The state's Department of Public Health will continuously keep track of the data of the four regions, which will tell officials whether they can move forward, perhaps even backward, with the reopening measures.