Additional COVID-19 restrictions could soon be lifted on Metro East region Ryan Voyles 4 years ago Gov. JB Pritzker said Wednesday that heightened COVID-19 restrictions in the Metro East region could be loosened as early as Friday as cases continue to fall.To access this content, you must purchase 1 Year Health News Illinois Subscription or 1 Year Group Subscription - Up to 5 Users, or log in if you are a member.