Please be advised that, as of January 31, Chicago has met the metrics set by the State of Illinois to move to Phase Four COVID-19 regulations. In order to avoid reversing the progress that the city has made in recent weeks, a number of regulations will remain in place in Chicago under Phase Four.Some restrictions will be eased, such as the prohibition of bar seating and the non-essential business curfew, but most of the capacity regulations will remain in place. Here is an overview of Phase Four regulations in Chicago:
Restaurants and Bars
- Indoor capacity remains restricted 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. This means that bars, taverns or breweries without a food license can operate 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).
- Maximum of six patrons at indoor or outdoor tables
- Patrons can sit at bars, with six 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
- Tables must be six feet apart
- Reservations are encouraged
- Two-hour time limit no longer required
- The sale of alcohol must end at 11pm, including alcohol sold for on-site consumption, delivery or carry out
- Establishments must close for on-site service at 12am
Event Venues
- Indoor capacity remains restricted to the lesser of 25% or 25 people per room or space
- 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
- Six people per table
- Patrons must be seated whenever they are eating or drinking
- Tables must be six feet apart
- Alcohol service must end at 11pm, and patrons must be off-premises by 12am
Health and Fitness Centers
- No limits on operating hours (non-essential business curfew repealed)
- 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
- Face coverings must be worn at all times
Indoor Recreation
- No limits on operating hours (non-essential business curfew repealed)
- 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space
- Face coverings must be worn at all times
Movie Theaters and Performance Venues
- No limits on operating hours (non-essential business curfew repealed).
- 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space
- Face coverings must be worn at all times
Retail Stores
- No limits on operating hours (non-essential business curfew repealed)
- Grocery stores and pharmacies can operate at 50% capacity, all other stores at 40% capacity
- Face coverings must be worn at all times
- Alcohol sales from establishments with a Package Goods license must end at 9pm
Museums
- No limits on operating hours (non-essential business curfew repealed)
- Can operate indoors at 25% capacity
- Face coverings must be worn at all times
Personal Services
- No limits on operating hours (non-essential business curfew repealed)
- 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
- 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space
- Special events capped at no more than 25% capacity or 25 people, while following indoor dining regulations
- Face coverings must be worn at all times
Details of the full regulations are posted here. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will be holding a webinar this Tuesday, February 2 at 10:00 am on the new Phase Four regulations. Register and learn more at chicago.gov/businesseducation.
To track Chicago’s progress on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the COVID-19 Dashboard. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will monitor the impact of the return of limited indoor dining, which resumed on January 23, for at least two weeks (one incubation period) before considering further loosening of regulations. More information will be shared in the coming days on the progress that will be necessary for further loosening of restrictions.
We have made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19, but we still have more work to do as a city. Please continue to remain diligent and continue to stay distanced, wash your hands, and wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Source: Reilly Reports 2/1/2021
