Southern Illinois News

Illinois state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) inquired about what specific recommended measures will indicate an ability for the state to move forward into Phase 5 during a Senate Health Committee hearing.

"As the vaccines move forward, when they become more available, can you give us some idea of what point, what percentage or whatever as the vaccines become available that we can look to moving from Phase 4 to Phase 5?" Bryant asked Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike.

Ezike said she believes the state moving into Phase 5 will work more on a spectrum than just an "on/off" aspect.

"I think from where we are now to Phase 5, maybe not just an on/off switch, but maybe a dial," Ezike said. "So, there may be one more phase before we get to Phase 5. I think the governor is going to release a plan that we have been working on later this week."

Ezike replied that one factor of importance in moving forward is vaccinating seniors who are more at risk of infection.

"Once we see a greater majority of our seniors vaccinated, that should get us to another level and then we can start having at least larger-sized gatherings like everything open up with some kind of capacity," Ezike said, The Center Square reported. "We're not getting rid of masks. We think masks have to be a mainstay."

Ezike added that deaths and hospitalization should continue to be monitored, and the number should start dropping as part of the measuring used to determine when the state can move into Phase 5.