IL Events Coalition call with DCEO Illinois
Hello fellow event industry colleagues and Illinois Events Coalition supporters!
Happy Friday to you! Ok, so today we are going to do our utmost to clarify a few things for you.
We had an excellent call with the DCEO (Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) to get some additional information and clarification with regards to the most recent guidelines from Governor Pritzker’s office yesterday.
One very key thing thing to note? —->>> ALL EVENTS will need to continue practicing social distancing and masks ARE REQUIRED when not actively eating or drinking.
Let’s review some of the questions that we asked, and answers that we received thus far. A few we are still waiting on more information from the DCEO.
We can confirm that these answers are both valid and current as of today, March 19th, 2021. Please note: All of our questions are in quotations and responses are in italics. Please also note that was of TODAY 3/19/21 that the city of Chicago is still in phase four.
“Can you confirm the following please? In an update to current Phase 4 mitigations and the capacity limits of the bridge to Phase 5, individuals with proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) 1-3 days prior to an event or outing do not count against capacity limit…”
This is current and correct.
Whose responsibility is it to verify tests or vaccination proof?
Expectation is that some entity would verify. The legal team is working on the specifics and putting together an FAQ response and will share with us AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, maybe next week. They also noted that MANY people have asked for clarification on this item, so stay tuned as we learn more.
The intention is that they will be sharing information soon in an FAQ that they will release further explaining who is responsible for verifying the negative tests or full vaccination records when it comes to event capacity.
“Today currently, if you have a guest list of 50 people and 20 were fully vaccinated, you could actually have 70 at your event, because the 20 vaccinated guests do not get counted in to the restrictions?”
Yes, as he understands it, yes. However, social distancing does still play a key role (as we mentioned earlier) in events so keep that in mind - six feet between each table still applies to all floor plans.
“Who does the DCEO "think" is responsible for the vaccine confirmations with guests?”
TBD they are working on this and talking with legal team and will be releasing this FAQ sometime next week. We made it very clear that we would like clarification on any HIPA ramifications, liabilities, and additional responsibilities for any/all vendors involved in a live event, social gathering, etc. So, again - please stay tuned.
“We have the same question with regards to the PCR test. As it reads, if everyone had a negative test then guest size is limitless?”
YES if people all have negative PCR test then event can be larger! But remember, social distancing does apply, and six feet between tables is necessary.
“Are dance floors allowed?”
Dance floors are still closed. This most likely will remain this way until we are in phase 5. Dancing and any gathering of large groups or commingling is still being regulated for public health and safety and dancing on a dance floor falls under that risk.
“How many guests at tables?”
State is 10
City is 6
“Is 6 feet still between tables?”
YES. And required mask wearing remains in place, from chair to chair, not table to table.
“Can guests then have a "roving" cocktail hour? Are they still required to be seated when eating and drinking?”
TBD, he will get back to us, he believes that this has NOT changed and that seated cocktail hours are still in the guideline restrictions.
“What is their estimate for when 70% over 65 will be vaccinated? As well as an estimate for when 50% over 16 years of age will be vaccinated?? Any chance for an estimated timeline?”
28 days minimum for the Bridge phase. This phase is meant to “Bridge the gap” between phase four and phase five.
Within this bridge phase, if 50% of the population of 16 years of age are vaccinated then we would move to phase 5.
They are not able to give dates or any kind of timeline because of the variables involved in the required benchmark metrics, including things like hospital beds and COVID numbers, but our understanding from the conversation was that they are very hopeful and optimistic that somewhere in the summer that Illinois will be in Phase 5
“Can we go backwards from bridge at any point?”
Absolutely we can move backwards if COVID numbers go up, or if vaccines don’t arrive to Illinois as promised. There are variants of COVID that could impact this process as well should they begin to impact numbers, but the state is confident that we are moving in the right direction with the right amount of progress to keep moving forward and are hopeful to do just that.
They do not forsee more phases to be announced at this time
“Will there be different Phases of Phase 5? Will it change again as far as you know?”
He does not see it changing , however they di really listen to all of their contacts (including the IL Events Coalition!) and respond to questions and insights with an occasional tweaking of elements within guidelines when necessary. This is GREAT news for us! This means they are listening to us as an industry so we can all feel so good about that!
“When will the city of Chicago announce their response, do you have an idea??”
The Mayor will be making an announcement. From the BACP newsletter last night,
“Today, Governor Pritzker announced a pathway for the State of Illinois to move towards fully reopening. The City of Chicago is currently evaluating the guidance that was released today and will be releasing updated City guidelines early next week. Please be advised that existing regulations remain in place for now in the City of Chicago – please visit Chicago.gov/reopening or see below for the latest details…”
The DCEO and the Governor watch what the CDC announcements are and the IDPH and guidelines will evolve.