COVID-19 Information

May 14, 2021

On May 14, 2021, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a metrics-based pathway toward the fifth and final phase of the Restore Illinois plan called A Bridge to Phase 5.   

What is the Bridge to Phase 5? 

The Bridge to Phase 5 is a state-wide move forward that allows a gradual path to higher capacity limits and increased operations before public health experts determine it is safe to move to Phase 5.  

• State-wide metrics that have moved us to the Bridge
  • Vaccination Metrics: 70% of residents 65 and older statewide have received their first dose of the vaccine 
  • COVID-19 Metrics: non-increasing trend in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness, COVID-19 hospitalized patients, and mortality rate, while ICU bed availability remains greater than or equal to 20% over the most recent 28 days 
• What could move us back to Phase 4 (measured over a 10-day monitoring period): 
  • Hospital ICU availability is below 20% 
  • A significant increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, total COVID-19 patients in the hospital or deaths 
  • New evidence concerning variants, vaccine effectiveness, or waning immunity could substantially and quickly increase COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths and will be taken into consideration, in addition to the metrics being monitored 

• More information about state-wide reopening metrics.   

What Changes in the Bridge? 

SIUE will adjust the capacity limits beginning May 24, 2021 In most instances, capacities increase from a maximum of 50% capacity in Phase 4.  

The Bridge to Phase 5 establishes conditions under which individuals with proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test do not count against capacity limits. However, SIUE will not implement these provisions at this time. SIUE will explore whether doing so is feasible in the future.   

A comprehensive chart comparing Phase 4 capacities to those of the Bridge to Phase 5 is available at:https://www2.illinois.gov/IISNews/22961-A_Bridge_to_Phase_5.pdf   

Below are some critical updates and what it means for SIUE. As a reminder, an approved Event Safety Plan is still required to host an in-person event.    

• Social Events 
  • Indoor: 250  
  • Outdoor: 500 
• Meetings 
  • Lesser of 60% capacity or 1,000 people 
• Theaters/Performing Arts 
  • 60% capacity 
• Seated Spectator Events Guidelines (indoor and outdoor ticketed seated venues, etc.) 
  • 60% Capacity 
• Health and Fitness 
  • 60% capacity 
• Retail
  • 60% capacity 

Take care and stay well.   

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor   
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Jessica Harris, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement   
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration   
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs