Illinois Restaurants May See COVID-19 Restrictions Return Next Week

ChicagoEater ^ | 07/28/2021 | Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman

[ChicagoConservative27]

Diners could soon be once again required to wear facial coverings inside restaurants in Illinois. As COVID-19 rates within the state increase, following a trend seen in other parts of the country, the Illinois Department of Public Health wants residents in “areas with substantial and high transmission” — primarily public indoor spaces — to resume wearing facial coverings.

There’s no government mandate, though there’s concern that one could be intituted early next week. The health department’s announcement matches recommendations put out earlier on Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also stressed that teachers and students at K-12 schools should mask up even if they’re fully vaccinated.

Tuesday afternoon’s news from the IDPH wasn’t a surprise to Illinois Restaurant Association CEO & President Sam Toia. He acknowledged that Chicago will soon surpass the 200 daily cases of COVID-19. In a New York Times interview, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she’d consider bringing back the mask mandate if the COVID-19 cases consistently hit that number. The delta variant, which is more transmissible, is driving up rates among those who aren’t vaccinated. However, health experts are also saying that the fully vaccinated could be spreading the disease, which is why mayors and governors across the country are considering bringing back mask requirements.

[ChicagoConservative27]

This is demented. Print more money to save restaurants that government shut down... Restaurants are waiting for Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to take action before changing policy. If the delta variant leads to stricter mandates, Toia says the federal government will need to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

[caww]

Few will go to restaurants to EAT if required to wear masks. They'll eat at home with guests or take out.

[albie]

They’ve only had about 2 months to recoup losses as it is. They’re just playing “one step forward two steps” back to lead people on. Incrementally taking it all.

[twoputt]

Look, Groot and Fat Boy are up for reelection. Maybe this is just a trial balloon to see if us serfs will comply.

Otherwise, this is a really stupid idea. But then, we’re not dealing with high wattage lightbulbs.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Chicago average daily CCP virus deaths: 0.86

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html

[grumpygresh]

Is there a reliable test for the delta variant? Or is this more gaslighting?

[Sans-Culotte]

Few will go to restaurants to EAT if required to wear masks.

I wouldn't.

[caww]

Me neither. Have family in Florida now who have stopped going to restaurants down there. ..and they got the shot!

[Vendome]

Coming to California again, soon...

[Daveinyork]

There is a lambda variant. What’s next? Will the zeta variant be here in time for the Dems to steal the 2022 elections?