COVID-19 Updates
Message from Mayor John Kahl Regarding City of East Peoria Reopening Plan
June 1, 2020 - As we continue to navigate through uncertain times, the East Peoria City Council stands united in its support of the Tri-County Phased Reopening Plan submitted to Governor Pritzker on April 29, 2020. As the elected leaders of the City of East Peoria, we remain committed to reopening our community in a measured, reasonable approach on behalf of those whom we serve. Our region continues to meet the metrics used in the determination of moving from phase to phase. The East Peoria City Council is supportive of the implementation of Phase 2 of the Tri-County Phased Reopening Plan effective June 1.
The Heart of Illinois Plan is a sub-regional plan with many similar elements as those within the Tri-County Plan. The goal of the East Peoria City Council continues to be one of a regional approach to reopening. We will be following many aspects of the HOI Protocols to be used as guidelines for those individuals and businesses choosing to reopen within East Peoria Corporate limits as part of the Tri-County Phased Reopening Plan.
The Tri-County Phased Reopening Plan does not compel any business or any individual to reopen or to take any action, including any that might be contrary to the directives found in the Governor’s Executive Orders. All are free to strictly abide by all aspects of the Governor’s latest order should they so choose.
The implementation of the Tri-County Phased Reopening Plan is a declaration by the Mayor that any business or any individual who takes steps toward reopening consistent with its guidelines, including those relating to precautionary health measures for the particular phase that applies, will have the full support of the City government.
Consequently, no City official, including police officers, will take any step to discourage anyone from reopening or taking any action consistent with the Tri-County Phased Reopening Plan.
The individuals or business that are licensed by the State must consult with the respective licensing authority and, if they choose, their private legal counsel concerning the consequences of taking any action inconsistent with the Governor’s latest order.
Actions that are contrary to the Tri-County Phased Reopening Plan are discouraged by the City, but formal enforcement measures will be taken only if authority to do so is made clear by decision of a court with jurisdiction over the City or by specific guidelines from the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s office.
Remember, the Tri-County Phased Reopening Plan, including timelines, is subject to change depending on further developments, including receipt of updated medical data and guidelines from the local healthcare providers and health departments.
We encourage our residents to exercise personal responsibility, to remain respectful and to remain supportive as we take necessary steps to protect public health, while at the same time protecting the businesses that serve our community.
Download Mayor Kahl’s June 1 announcement regarding the City of East Peoria Reopening Plan (PDF).
Read Previous Reopening Announcements
May 15, 2020 - Read Mayor Kahl’s announcement regarding the City of East Peoria Reopening Plan (PDF)
May 1, 2020 - Read Mayor Kahl’s announcement of an East Peoria reopening plan (PDF)
East Peoria is committed to reopening its business community and getting its residents back to work, while at the same time citizens do their part to take necessary precautions to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all. During each phase of this plan, local governments will continue to monitor the status of its impact in coordination with the local health departments and other local organizations. As with any plan, the elements presented here, including the timelines, are subject to change (some aspects of which need to be tailored to our respective local governmental units).
Download the Phase 1 May 1 and May 15 reopening plan (PDF).
Phase 1 - May 15, 2020 Reopening Protocols
The City of East Peoria will be following many aspects of the Heart of Illinois Plan Protocols during Phase 1 of the Tri-County Phased Reopening Plan. Click on the links to read the reopening protocols.
Read the Restaurants Phase 1 Protocol (PDF).
Read the Non-Essential Businesses Phase 1 Protocol (PDF).
Read the Gyms & Fitness Centers Phase 1 Protocol (PDF).
Read the Personal Care & Health Clubs Phase 1 Protocol (PDF).
Read the Places of Worship Phase 1 Protocol (PDF).
Read the Outdoor Recreation Phase 1 Protocol (PDF).
Read the EastSide Centre Return to Play Phase 1 Protocol (PDF).
Phase 1 - May 1, 2020
Nonessential businesses may reopen but shall take appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that social distancing guidelines are maintained. Businesses should take all necessary precautions and follow sanitation protocols as approved by the local health department. Businesses include, but are not limited to, all retailers, shopping centers, auto dealerships, distribution centers, nursery/garden shops, other lawn and garden centers, marinas, parks, lakes, golf courses, campgrounds and other outdoor recreational areas. Nonessential travel should be minimized. Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10. All vulnerable people should continue to shelter in place.
Salons, barber shops, spas, dog grooming facilities and other personal care facilities may reopen but shall take appropriate mitigation measures, such as reconfiguring and/or restricting space to enable people to be located apart, to ensure that social distancing guidelines are maintained. In addition, employees and patrons shall be required to use face masks while in close proximity to each other. Employees must clean and wipe all surfaces between clients.
Gyms/fitness studios and indoor recreational facilities may reopen. Mitigation measures, such as reconfiguring and/or restricting space to enable people to be located apart, shall be taken to ensure that social distancing guidelines are maintained. Equipment must be cleaned and wiped between users.
Restaurants, bakeries and bars may continue to prepare and serve food providing that the food is for off-premise consumption and served through means such as in-house-delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through service and curbside pick-up. In addition, patrons may enter the premises to purchase food or beverages for carry-out. License holders with the authority to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption may continue to sell alcoholic liquor for off-premises consumption provided that the alcoholic liquor is in its unopened, original packaging through means of in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through service, curbside pick-up and home delivery. In addition, patrons may enter the premises to purchase food or beverage for carry-out providing social distancing guidelines are maintained.
Download Phase 2 June 1 and June 15 reopening plan (PDF)
Phase 2 - June 1, 2020:
Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 50 people. Vulnerable people should continue to shelter in place. Visits to senior care facilities and hospitals can resume under strict social distancing guidelines. Visitors to senior care facilities must wear face masks.
Restaurants, bakeries and bars may reopen at up to 75% occupancy as determined by the plaque posted from the local Fire Marshal. Mitigation measures, such as reconfiguring and/or restricting space to enable people to be located apart, shall be taken to ensure that social distancing guidelines are maintained. These establishments should take all necessary precautions and follow sanitation protocols as approved by the local health department. Food preparers and servers shall be required to use face masks. Questions regarding occupancy are to be directed to the local Fire Marshal.
Riverboat casino and video gaming operations may resume at up to 75% capacity, subject to approval by the Illinois Gaming Board. Mitigation measures, such as reconfiguring and/or restricting space to enable people to be located apart, shall be taken to ensure that social distancing guidelines are maintained. These establishments should take all necessary precautions and follow sanitation protocols as approved by the local health department.
Athletic fields may reopen for tournaments. Bleacher sections must be removed (if applicable) or restricted from use. Dugouts must be restricted from use. Personal seating can be used but social distancing guidelines must be maintained. Concessions may be reopened but social distancing guidelines must be maintained in the food service area. These establishments should take all necessary precautions and follow sanitation protocols as approved by the local health department. Food preparers and servers shall be required to use masks.
Public pools may reopen. Social distancing guidelines must be maintained in seating areas.
Small business gatherings and meetings can resume under social distancing guidelines.
Except to the extent the Governor acting within his authority has directed public schools to remain closed, schools may reopen. Social distancing guidelines must be maintained.
Phase 2 - June 15, 2020:
Restaurants, bakeries and bars may reopen at up to 100% occupancy as determined by the plaque posted from the local Fire Marshal. Mitigation measures shall be taken to ensure that social distancing guidelines are maintained. These establishments should take all necessary precautions and follow sanitation protocols as approved by the local health department. Food preparers and servers shall be required to use face masks. Questions regarding occupancy are to be directed to the local Fire Marshal.
Riverboat casino and video gaming operations may resume at up to 100% capacity, subject to approval by the Illinois Gaming Board. Mitigation measures, such as reconfiguring and/or restricting space to enable people to be located apart, shall be taken to ensure that social distancing guidelines are maintained. These establishments should take all necessary precautions and follow sanitation protocols as approved by the local health department.
Athletic fields may reopen dugouts under limited social distancing guidelines.
Download the Phase 3 re-reopening plan (PDF).
Phase 3 - July 2020
Vulnerable people can resume public interaction but should practice social distancing.
Athletic fields may reopen bleacher sections under limited social distancing guidelines.
Large venues can operate under limited social distancing guidelines.
Large social gatherings, such as weddings and funerals, can resume under limited social distancing guidelines.
Business related gatherings, such as trade shows, conferences, conventions and workshops can resume under limited social distancing gatherings.
Entertainment related mass gatherings, such as concerts, festivals, carnivals and shows, can resume under limited social distancing guidelines.
We can all do our part by practicing preventive measures, such as:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with sick people if possible.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
- Ensure to maintain at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals.
- Stay home should you have a fever or otherwise feel unwell.