When Will Chicago Outdoor Mask Mandate Get Lifted? Not 'Soon'

CHICAGO — It's too soon to end the mask mandate in Chicago. But with coronavirus cases reaching a plateau, Bulls and Hawks fans could be back in seats at the United Center by the end of the season, city officials said Tuesday.

Currently, nearly half of states do not require mandatory mask wearing outdoors.

When asked when to expect an end to the mask mandate requiring folks to wear face coverings outside when social distancing isn't possible, Public health commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said, "I wouldn't use the word soon just yet."

"We’re at a high-risk level [for community spread of COVID-19]. Before we’re really thinking about not having masks in public, I want to see a high percentage of Chicagoans vaccinated, and I really want to make sure our numbers are back down in a range where when people are out and about in public the risk of them potentially being exposed to someone with COVID is low," she said.

As of Tuesday, there have been an average of 657 coronavirus cases per day and a 5.5 percent COVID-19 test positivity rate. Both metrics have slightly decreased since last week, but remain at levels that signal a high-risk for community spread of the virus.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the slight decrease in daily cases could single good news for Bulls and Blackhawks fans that haven't been allowed to attend games at the United Center.

The mayor said team owners presented "very solid plans" for the return of fans at a time when coronavirus cases were spiking.

"We feel like [COVID-19 cases in Chicago] might be plateauing and even, dare to dream, going down. Going down is the right time to have that conversation. So, we’ll continue with that. I expect before season’s end there will be fans in the United Center," Lightfoot said.

The Bulls last home game is set for April 22 against the Charlotte Hornets. The Hawks final home contest is set for May 10 against the Dallas Stars.