City Announces Updated COVID-19 Regulations

After three months of consistent decline or stability in COVID-19 health metrics, the City of Chicago has seen a worrying rise in all metrics over the last few weeks. Positivity rates and total cases have increased significantly, and, most alarmingly, Emergency Department visits for COVID-like illness have increased by 38% in the last week alone.

Due to this alarming increase in health metrics, the City of Chicago today announced updates to the COVID-19 regulations that keep most indoor limits in place while allowing for cautious increases in outdoor spaces that are less conducive to virus spread. The following outdoor capacity changes will take effect immediately (note that most indoor regulations will remain in place - see the end of this post for more detailed regulations):

  • Bars and Restaurants: Maximum outdoor table size can increase to ten people, with tables set up so that patrons are six feet from patrons at other tables. Indoor table size remains limited to no more than six people.

  • Social Events (e.g., weddings, potlucks, and other community events): Total outdoor capacity can increase to the lesser of 50% or 100 people.

  • Performance Venues, Theaters, and Seated Spectator Events: Outdoor venues with a capacity greater than or equal to 200 can operate at 25% capacity. Smaller venues can use at no more than 50% capacity or 50 people.

  • Outdoor Recreation: Maximum groups of 50; multiple groups permitted

  • Places of Worship: No outdoor capacity limit provided that six feet of social distancing are maintained between parties

  • Health and Fitness Centers: Outdoor classes can increase to 100 people

In each setting, six feet of physical distance must be maintained between different parties, meaning that facilities may need to operate at a lower capacity to achieve six feet between all parties. Additionally, to ensure proper enforcement and safety across industries, all patrons will continue to count towards capacity limits, even if they are fully vaccinated or have a recent negative test.

For a full update on these COVID-19 regulations, and visit Chicago.gov/reopening for the latest information. Please note that there have been two changes to indoor regulations to ensure consistency and safety: seating at the bar/counter at restaurants or bars is now limited to four per party, with six feet between parties, and indoor fitness classes can increase to 50 people, provided that the total room capacity remains under the 50% limit and six feet of distancing is maintained between patrons, with face coverings worn at all times. Additionally, as a reminder, social distancing regulations at bars, restaurants, and events have been updated: tables must now be spaced so that patrons are six feet away from patrons at other tables.

To help businesses navigate these new guidelines, BACP will hold a webinar on Monday, March 29, at 3:30 pm. Register and learn more at chicago.gov/businesseducation.

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