Politics & Government
Chicago To Keep Cap On Indoor Dining As Coronavirus Spread Slows
Indoor-dining capacity to remain at 25 percent up to 25 people even if Chicago reaches metrics that allow for larger gatherings.
CHICAGO — As city coronavirus statistics inch closer to benchmarks that would allow for greater capacity limits for indoor dining, officials have decided to pump the brakes on rolling back social-distance restrictions.
On Friday, Chicago's coronavirus test-positivity rate dipped below 6.5 percent, setting the stage for the city to enter into the state's Phase 4 of the state-imposed resurgence plan after three straight days below the statistical benchmark, which otherwise would trigger increased capacity for restaurants serving patrons indoors.
City public health officials said in a statement that it's "standard public health practice to monitor the impact of any significant mitigation change for a minimum of two weeks." Since indoor dining resumed on Saturday for the first time since March, officials said Chicago restaurants will be required to maintain capacity limits of 25% capacity or 25 people per location.
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"In recent weeks we have begun to turn the tide in the fight against COVID-19, and I thank all Chicagoans and especially our business community for their efforts to make this possible," public health department Commissioner Dr. Alison Arwady said.
"We have just resumed safe indoor dining, and while we are excited to make that move we must continue to be thoughtful and cautious in our reopening. The last thing we want is to cause a third wave of the virus by rushing to fully reopen riskier settings where masks are removed and people gather in close proximity."
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
When Chicago enters Phase Four, the following regulations will be in place:
- Indoor dining and indoor events will remain limited to the lesser of 25% capacity or 25 people per space
- Most other industries will be limited to the lesser of 40% capacity or 50 people
- Bar seating will be allowed, indoor table size can increase from 4 to 6 people.
- Non-essential business curfew ends
- Bars and restaurants will be able to extend operating hours to midnight, with no alcohol service after 11pm.
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