Winnebago County Bars, Restaurants and Churches To Open June 1

Mayor Tom McNamara and Winnebago County Health Department Administrator Dr. Sandra Martell delivered the good news today (5/18/20).

This is the news I've been so excited to hear. June 1st is the day restaurants, bars, churches, child care services and youth programs in Winnebago County can begin reopening.

Before these business and programs can open, recommendations will be developed by the Rockford Region Rebounding Working Group. The group is comprised of 140 people, appointed by Mayor McNamara. They will release their recommended strategies to the public on Tuesday, May 26. I'm sure there will be quite a few restrictions and additional steps we'll have to go through as a customer, but having some of our favorite spots reopened is a reason to celebrate.

Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney said offices, barber shops and salons may be able to open May 29th if all goes well, according to mystateline.com.

Governor Pritzker's current shutdown order is set to expire at the end of May. Winnebago County's plan to begin reopening could be stalled by another order from the governor, or a move by other lawmakers