Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, alongside the Chicago Department of Public Health ( CDPH ), announced May 22 that Chicago is on track to be ready to move to phase three of its reopening framework in June, given the progress on several key health metrics.
The "Protecting Chicago" reopening framework lays out how the City plans to begin reopening amid COVID-19, and the details for each phase were informed by economic and health data, as well as a combination of input from industry and labor working groups, health experts and the public.
The City is predicting that Chicago will be ready in early June to transition from phase two ( Stay-at-Home ) to phase three ( Cautiously Reopen ), which will still require strict physical distancing but would begin to allow for some industries to start reopening. Regardless of industry reopening plans, all residents should continue to abide by important guidance in phase three, including:
—When in the presence of others, keeping 6 feet of physical distance apart and wear a face covering;
—Non-business, social gatherings limited to <10 persons;
—Phased, limited public amenities begin to open;
—Stay at home if you feel ill or have come into contact with someone with COVID-19;
—Continue to physically distance from vulnerable populations; and
—Get tested if you have symptoms.
Industry-specific guidelines will be released the week of May 25, and will include details such as how businesses can engage in healthy interactions between workers and customers, how to maintain safe working spaces and conditions, and how to design and monitor workplace operations to create flexibility and further safety for employees and customers.
Several industry subsectors will be allowed to open at limited capacity in early June, and their respective capacities may increase later in phase three. These subsectors include:
—Childcare centers
—In-home family childcare
—Park facilities ( non-Lakefront, does not include contact sports )
—Libraries
—Office-based jobs
—Professional services
—Real-estate services
—Hotels/lodging
—Outdoor attractions ( e.g. boating—not including The Playpen, non-lakefront golf courses )
—Retail stores ( non-essential )
—Personal services ( e.g., hair/nail salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors )
—Restaurants and coffee shops ( outdoor dining )
Other industry subsectors may open later in phase three if proper safety measures can be put in place, and more information on those guidelines is still to come:
—Summer programs & youth activities ( e.g., Park District, private summer camps )
—Religious services
—Gyms
—The lakefront
—Limited-capacity outdoor performances
—Museums
Industries that are already open will continue or expand operations in phase three include:
—Manufacturing
—Construction
—Warehousing
—Hospitals
—Dentists
—Community mental health
—Federally Qualified Health Centers
—Public transit
—Regional transit
—Rideshare and taxis
For the time being, schools, playgrounds, bars and lounges, and large venues ( stadiums, indoor theaters, music venues, convention centers ) will remain closed.
