Good news for Chicago!

Dear Friend,

In this challenging time, we could all use some good news. Thanks to declining COVID-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations, I’m proud to announce Chicago has been approved to move out of mitigations entirely and return to Phase 4 of the state’s Restore Illinois plan!

In Phase 4, all businesses can reopen, including gyms, retail, movie theaters, bars, restaurants, and salons and barbershops, with some safety guidelines and capacity limits in place. Here’s what you can expect from each industry in Phase 4:

Bars and Restaurants
• Indoor capacity is limited to the lesser of 25% or 25 people per room or space.
• Food must be available at all times in order to offer indoor service.
• Parties may not exceed six patrons at indoor or outdoor tables, and all tables must be 6 feet apart.
• Patrons can sit at bars, with 6 feet of social distancing between parties.
• Face coverings must be worn at all times, except when patrons are seated and actively eating or drinking.
• Patrons must be seated whenever they are eating or drinking.
• The sale of alcohol must end at 11 p.m., including alcohol sold for on-site consumption, delivery or carry out, and establishments must close for on-site service at midnight.
• Restaurants may continue to sell food via delivery, takeout or curbside pickup at all hours.

Event Venues
• Indoor capacity is limited to the lesser of 25% or 25 people per room or space.
• Indoor events can serve food or drinks, but venues must follow the same indoor service guidelines as bars and restaurants.

Places of Worship
• Indoor capacity is limited to 40%, with no more than 50 people in any one space.
• Special events, both indoors and outdoors, are capped at no more than 25% capacity or 25 people, while following indoor dining regulations.

Health and Fitness Centers
• Indoor spaces are limited to 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space.
• Group classes of 15 or fewer can resume under the 40% capacity restriction. Outdoor classes can accommodate up to 50 people, with social distancing observed.
• Locker rooms and showers can remain open if strict and frequent cleaning measures are in place. Other accommodations where social distancing is not possible, including saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms, must remain closed.

Indoor and Outdoor Recreation
• Indoor spaces are limited to 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space.
• Outdoor spaces, including parks, may accommodate up to 100 people or 40% capacity, whichever is fewer, with social distancing observed.
• Zoos and indoor museums are limited to 25% occupancy.

Movie Theaters and Performance Venues
• Indoor spaces are limited to 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space.

Retail Stores
• Grocery stores and pharmacies can operate at 50% capacity, and all other stores are limited to 40% capacity. (Note: Big box stores that sell a combination of general retail, groceries and/or pharmacies among other goods must operate at 40% capacity.)
• Alcohol sales from establishments with a Packaged Goods license must end at 9 p.m.

Personal Services
• Indoor capacity is limited to 40%, with no more than 50 people in any one space.
• Face coverings can be removed only for services that require their removal, but employees must wear both a mask and eye protection.
• Physical, occupational and massage therapy are allowed.

Keep in mind that face coverings are still required in public spaces. Learn more about the city’s reopening plan at chicago.gov/reopening and find a detailed list of guidelines for all businesses in the City of Chicago here.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has also approved all youth sports to resume play at Chicago schools, clubs, recreational leagues and centers, and park district sports programs. Find updated state guidance here. The Illinois High School Association released a sports schedule for the remainder of the school year, but it’s ultimately up to the administration at your child’s school to decide when teams can begin practices and games.

I hope this news provides some relief to businesses, restaurants and residents across the city. Thanks to masking and social distancing efforts, we are making progress: We are now just one step away from the “Post-pandemic” phase and a return to normalcy.

Now, we must focus on staying the course. Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing, and when it is your turn, please get the vaccine.

Thank you for your continued efforts to protect your friends, your family and your community. As we proceed with the vaccine distribution plan, I will make sure you have accurate, up-to-date information on our city’s progress. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Tony Munoz
State Senator | 1st District