January 23, 2021
Dear Chicagoan,
Please be advised that, effective immediately, Chicago has moved to the Tier 1 Mitigations Measures set by the State of Illinois. Please see below for an overview of these new mitigations, which are in effect as of 9:00am today.
Overview of Tier 1 Mitigation Measures
Restaurants and Bars
Can reopen indoors at lesser of 25% or 25 people per space.
Food must be available at all times in order to offer indoor service. This means that bars, taverns or breweries without a food license can reopen indoors as long as they partner with a food establishment so that food is available to patrons at all times (e.g., making menus available and allowing delivery, allowing patrons to order from third-party delivery services).
Table size limited to no more than four people per indoor table and six people per outdoor table
Outdoor service can continue under existing regulations, including tables that are within eight feet of walls that are at least 50% open
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
Tables must be six feet apart
Indoor service limited to no more than two hours
All bars and restaurants must close at 11:00pm for on-site service and pick-up/delivery of alcohol. Pick-up and delivery of food can continue after 11:00pm.
Event Venues
Events are limited to the lesser of 25 guests or 25% of overall room capacity both indoors and outdoors
Indoor events can serve food or drinks, but indoor service guidelines must be followed:
Face coverings must be worn at all times, except when patrons are seated and actively eating or drinking
Four people per indoor table
Patrons must be seated whenever they are eating or drinking
Tables must be six feet apart
Indoor events must end at 11:00pm
Health and Fitness Centers
Indoor capacity increased to 40%, with no more than 50 people within one area
Group classes of 15 or fewer can resume under the 40% capacity restriction
Face coverings must be worn at all times
Indoor recreation
Indoor capacity increased to the lesser of 40% or 50 people
Face coverings must be worn at all times
Movie Theaters and Performance Venues
No capacity change from Tier 2 to Tier 1
Can operate indoors at 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space
Face coverings must be worn at all times
Retail Stores
No capacity change from Tier 2 to Tier 1
Grocery stores and pharmacies can operate at 50% capacity, all other stores at 40% capacity
Face coverings must be worn at all times
Museums
No capacity change from Tier 2 to Tier 1
Can operate indoors at 40% capacity
Guided tours limited to 50 people
Groups limited to 10 people
Face coverings must be worn at all times
Personal Services
No capacity change from Tier 2 to Tier 1
Can operate 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space
Face coverings can be removed only for services that require their removal
Places of worship
No capacity change from Tier 2 to Tier 1
Can operate at 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space
Special events capped at no more than 25 people
Face coverings must be worn at all times
Updated regulations will be posted at www.chicago.gov/reopening shortly. Additionally, to help businesses navigate these new mitigations, we will be holding two webinars this week. Join us on Monday, January 25, at 2:00pm for “Overview of the Tier 1 Mitigation Measures” and Tuesday, January 26 at 2:00pm for “Overview of the Tier 1 Mitigation Measures for Restaurants and Bars”. Register and learn more at www.chicago.gov/businesseducation.
To track Chicago’s continued progress in the fight against COVID-19 and for more details on the state-imposed mitigation measures, visit IDPH’s website here. In order to continue loosening restrictions and move to Phase Four, we need to meet the following metrics set by the State of Illinois
A test positivity rate less than or equal to 6.5% for three consecutive days as measured by the 7-day rolling average (currently NOT meeting this metric); AND
Greater than 20% percent available staffed ICU hospital beds for three consecutive days, on a 7-day rolling average (currently meeting this metric); AND
No sustained increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital in 7 out of the last 10 days, on a 7-day average (currently meeting this metric)
As a reminder, now is the time to double down on what works to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep our businesses open. BACP will continue to enforce these new regulations, particularly the rules for limited indoor service at bars and restaurants. Please continue to wear face coverings, maintain social distancing, avoid gatherings and follow the regulations closely. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to follow the COVID-19 regulations and help Chicago continue to move forward in the fight against this deadly virus.
