Name: Chicago is now under Tier 2 Covid restrictions; here’s what that means and what can reopen
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Chicago is now under Tier 2 Covid restrictions; here’s what that means and what can reopen

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Posted: Jan 19, 2021 / 12:23 PM CSTUpdated: Jan 20, 2021 / 04:45 PM CSTThis is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.CHICAGO — Chicago officials said the City will move to Tier 2 of Illinois’ coronavirus mitigation measures “effective immediately,” after state health officials announced the City met its new metrics for a lessening of restrictions yesterday.All this talk of “Tiers” and “Phases” can be confusing, so here’s why Chicago is seeing less restrictions, what will be open under Tier 2 and what comes next:Why Chicago is moving to “Tier 2”The State of Illinois implemented different levels of coronavirus restrictions (broken into three “Tiers”) as the state was seeing a spike in new COVID-19 infections in late October.Governor JB Pritzker and health officials kept the whole state under the most strict level, Tier 3, after experts warned of a post-holiday surge. Regions have been allowed to move to less-strict tiers since last Friday.While many initially qualified for a lessening of restrictions, much of the Chicago area was stuck in “Tier 3” after falling short on one metric: the availability of non-intensive care unit hospital beds.But on Monday, state health officials announced they would no longer take this under consideration, allowing Chicago, Cook County, as well as west and north suburban counties to move to “Tier 2.”Here’s what’s different under Tier 2Open: Indoor group fitness classes, movie theaters, performance venues, museums, as well as indoor recreation and event venues, although capacity is reduced and groups are limited to 10 people. Face coverings must be worn at all times for all of the above.Still closed: Indoor dining at bars and restaurantsFor more details on the City’s exact guidance, see the list below.When could Chicago move to “Tier 1” or out of “Tiers” once and for all?Just as we’re coming to understand what “Tier 2” means, Chicago could be moving on to “Tier 1” in a manner of days if current trends continue.As of Tuesday, the City’s 7-day test positivity rate is at 8%, which is essentially the dividing line for moving down to “Tier 1.” If the City sees a rate *less* than 8% for three consecutive days, with no decrease in ICU availability or increase in Covid hospitalizations, we could move on to Tier 1.The biggest change under Tier 1 is one many have been eager to see: a reopening of indoor dining at restaurants and bars that serve food. Bars that don’t serve food have to wait until Chicago returns to plain-old “Phase 4.”If the rate continues to drop and reaches 6.5% or lower for three consecutive days, we can say goodbye to the Tiers completely and return to “Phase 4.” Here’s what the*An earlier version of the story incorrectly said “equal to or less than” 8%.Guidance for Tier 2 from the City of ChicagoHere’s what the City of Chicago says can reopen under the newest guidelines, which are also .Restaurants and BarsHealth and Fitness CentersMovie Theaters and Performance VenuesRetail storesMuseumsPersonal Services (salons, barbers, etc.)Indoor recreationPlaces of worshipEvent venuesSuggest a CorrectionThanks for signing up!Watch for us in your inbox.Subscribe NowThanks for signing up!Watch for us in your inbox.Subscribe Now✕× Close Ad

Posted: Jan 19, 2021 / 12:23 PM CSTUpdated: Jan 20, 2021 / 04:45 PM CSTThis is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.CHICAGO — Chicago officials said the City will move to Tier 2 of Illinois’ coronavirus mitigation measures “effective immediately,” after state health officials announced the City met its new metrics for a lessening of restrictions yesterday.All this talk of “Tiers” and “Phases” can be confusing, so here’s why Chicago is seeing less restrictions, what will be open...

Chicago is now under Tier 2 Covid restrictions; here’s what that means and what can reopen

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