Wheaton will enter Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan on Friday, May 29. Provided are details regarding the opening of outdoor dining, temporary closure of part of Hale Street, and some of the highlights of Phase 3 changes for residents and businesses.
The City of Wheaton is excited to see the reopening of many of our community’s businesses and workplaces, and we encourage you to support the local businesses in our community.
Please note that while some restrictions are being lessened, the state’s guidance for Phase 3 still expects people to wear face coverings when in public places where social distancing cannot be maintained. Residents should also continue to follow the Illinois Department of Health’s guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including frequent handwashing, social distancing, staying home if you are sick, and other recommended practices.
Gatherings
- All gatherings of 10 people or fewer are allowed. This limit is subject to change by the state based on the latest data and guidance.
Outdoor Dining
As part of Phase 3, restaurants throughout Wheaton will be allowed to reopen for outdoor seating beginning Friday, May 29. Outdoor drinking and dining will be allowed, including rooftops, patios and areas with removable walls. There are a number of restrictions that restaurants are required to follow, such as limiting the number of people at each table to no more than 6, required distancing between tables, enhanced sanitation & disinfecting, guidelines for restaurant employees and more. Visit the City’s website to view the guide to outdoor dining.
Starting Friday, May 29, the City will temporarily close Hale Street between Front and Wesley streets to allow restaurants to provide outdoor dining. Two large tents are being placed on this block of Hale Street to facilitate the reopening of restaurants in this space.
A number of other restaurants throughout the community are also setting up outdoor dining spaces in private parking lots and outside their restaurants. The City has been working closely with the Downtown Wheaton Association and many local businesses to ensure they are able to open in a way that meets all requirements and maximizes safety for the community and restaurant employees.
If you would like to dine at a local restaurant that is offering outdoor dining, the City encourages you to contact that restaurant directly to find out if reservations are required and for their hours of operation.
Restaurants can continue to operate takeout and delivery services as well.
Retail Businesses
- Retail businesses may reopen to customers, with occupancy limited to 50 percent of store capacity or five customers per 1,000 square feet.
- Businesses must sanitize common areas and frequently touched areas every two hours with checkout keypads, self-checkout stations, shopping carts and baskets being disinfected after every use.
- No reusable shopping bags are allowed, and customers must bag their own items.
Personal Care Services (Salons, Barbers, etc.)
- Customers and employees must wear face coverings. Magazines and shared items from waiting areas must be removed, and no food or beverages may be served. Workstations and reusable customer articles are to be sanitized after each use. Reservations are required.
Service Counters (including dry cleaners, repair shops)
- Businesses must remove magazines and any shared items from waiting areas, and incoming items and finished items must be kept separate from one another. Occupancy is limited to 50 percent of store capacity or five customers per 1,000 square feet.
Outdoor Recreation
- State parks are open with activities restricted to groups of 10 or fewer with proper social distancing measures.
- Indoor and outdoor tennis facilities may resume operation.
- Golf courses can open, with all players to be grouped in foursomes with tee times being spaced at a minimum of 10 minutes apart. Golf carts are permitted for members of the same household, with individuals who are not members of the same household being required to use individual carts. Driving ranges, practice ranges, chipping greens, and putting greens are permitted with 50% capacity. Individual caddies are prohibited.
- Campgrounds will be allowed to reopen, with proper social distancing procedures in place. Groups of 10 or fewer people will also be allowed to travel together on boats but must continue to wear masks when social distancing is not possible.
- Youth sports will be allowed to practice drills only, with no contact sports or games. No walk-in or pick-up games. Groups must be limited to 10 children per adult and each group must be 30 feet apart from one another with a designated staff member being responsible for monitoring social distancing.
Health and Fitness Businesses
- One-on-one personal training and outdoor fitness classes will be allowed with a maximum of 10 participants. Equipment must be sanitized before and after each use. Reservations are required.
- Saunas, hot tubs, and public pools remain closed.
Travel
Education & Childcare
- Schools (preschool-grade 12 and higher education) should continue remote learning; Limited childcare and summer programs open with IDPH-approved safety guidance.
For full details regarding Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan please visit the Illinois Department of Health’s website. Detailed restrictions and resources for all types of business are available on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.