Chicago to enter Phase 4 of reopening Friday
Chicago’s lakefront reopens, but ‘keep moving’
Chicago reopened its lakefront trail Monday for walking, running and cycling. Beaches along Lake Michigan remained closed, as did city park playgrounds.
CHICAGO - Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Monday morning that Chicago will proceed into Phase 4 of reopening on Friday.
The fourth part of the "Protecting Chicago" framework allows restaurants and bars to open indoor seating with limited capacities and protective measures in place. Other places set to reopen under the guidelines include museums and zoos, performance venues and summer camps.
Chicago health officials said Monday that health metrics required for reopening under state and city plans have been met, with a continuing decline in COVID-19 cases. Previously, Chicago’s reopening had been on a slower pace than Illinois with stricter standards than the state.
At the end of the week, restaurants and bars can offer indoor seating at 25% capacity, with similar occupancy restrictions for other businesses. Indoor gatherings will be limited to 50 people, up from 10. Outdoor gatherings will be capped at 100 people, up from 50 people.
Some venues, like the Lincoln Park Zoo, will require online reservations to prevent people from being turned away at the gate. Gyms will face other safety measures, including spacing out machines.
“Although we have been making good progress, we have only just moved out of the high risk level for COVID-19,” Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Department of Public Health, told reporters.
Chicago reopened its lakefront trail Monday for walking, running and cycling. Beaches along Lake Michigan remained closed, as did city park playgrounds.
“The service and sacrifice made by Chicagoans from every corner of our city and every walk of life has allowed us to safely reach the point where we are now,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “It includes the incredible work done by our healthcare professionals, first responders, and essential workers who have cared for our residents and kept our city running."
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 462 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, with 26 additional deaths. Overall, there have been 137,224 cases and 6,671 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older people and the infirm, it can cause severe symptoms and lead to death.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.