DeKALB – Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Tuesday that the state will enter Tier 3 mitigations efforts starting Friday as COVID-19 cases rise in Illinois. 

Tier 3 mitigations include retail stores statewide having a 25% store capacity. Indoor recreation centers, including theaters, performing arts centers and indoor museums and amusement centers are set to close, according to the Tier 3 mitigation plan. 

“This is not a state-at-home order,” Pritzker said during a news conference Tuesday. “But the best way for us to avoid a stay-at-home order is to stay home. “To slow the spread and until we can begin to bring down the infection rate, you should not attend dinners, events, gatherings or meetings beyond your own household.”

All bars and restaurants statewide are restricted to outdoor service, carryout or delivery under Tier 3 restrictions. Bars and restaurants are set to close at 11 p.m. and may reopen no earlier than 6 a.m. the following day. 

Pritzker said gyms can allow individuals to schedule workouts if they wear masks and schools and daycares can choose to remain open.

On Tuesday, the state reported 12,601 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 97 deaths, bringing the overall coronavirus death toll in Illinois to 10,875.

“If you don’t need to do it, don’t do it,” Pritzker said during a news conference Tuesday. “I know that this virus is taking its toll in so many ways. We all want this to be over. We want to fast forward to a world where masks are once again things only doctors wear. Where grandparents can hug their grandchildren.”