Chicago Enters Phase 5, Officially Re-Opens
BACP is holding an informational webinar Monday, June 14 at 2PM
Effective today, Chicago is officially in Phase 5, lifting all capacity restrictions, allowing all businesses to reopen and all events to return. This move is now possible because local COVID-19 metrics are at record lows and over 50% of Chicagoans are at least partially vaccinated. All four reopening metrics are in the lower-risk and declining steadily, with the test positivity rate and new daily cases at the lowest level since the pandemic began.
For additional guidance as it relates to Phase 5, please visit chicago.gov/reopening and see this Phase 5 Guidance Document. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) will be holding a webinar on Monday, June 14 at 2PM to provide an overview of this guidance. Register and learn more at chicago.gov/businesseducation.
COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available across Chicago. Individuals can find a vaccine at zocdoc.com/vaccine, chi.gov/covidvax or on our community events calendar. Employers are encouraged to host onsite vaccination events for their employees. If a business has a relationship with a medical provider, such as for onsite flu clinics, consider reaching out to them. Businesses can see a list of COVID-19 vaccine providers who work with employers here.
For businesses, Phase 5 means the lifting of most mandatory COVID-19 regulations, including capacity limits, mask mandates and social distancing. Specific business activities that had been prohibited, such as saunas, self-serve buffets and indoor playgrounds can now fully reopen. Businesses are still generally encouraged to support social distancing to the extent possible for unvaccinated customers, especially in indoor settings.
Please note that masks are still required in Phase 5 in certain settings, such as health care, public transportation (including taxis, liveries and ride-hail services) and in congregate facilities. Additionally, non-vaccinated individuals should still wear masks when they are indoors and unable to social distance. Therefore, businesses are encouraged to post signage indicating that masks are still recommended for unvaccinated customers.
Additionally, BACP expects many businesses will choose to keep certain regulations in place for the safety of their customers and employees, including requiring masks for all customers. The City supports any business that chooses to do this. Businesses can require masks for all customers and refuse entry to customers that refuse to wear a mask. Businesses that require masks for all patrons should post signage indicating their mask policy so customers are aware prior to entry.
Furthermore, please be aware that many Chicagoans will choose to continue wearing masks, even if they are fully vaccinated. Businesses should be supportive of customers and employees that choose to continue wearing a face covering.
Finally, please note that existing hour limitations will remain in place until June 26, when Illinois’ emergency health order expires. This means that alcohol sales from establishments with a Package Goods License must still end at 11PM until June 26. Additionally, establishments with a Late Hour Liquor License need to have fully vaccinated customers only during late night operations. Please note that bars or restaurants with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity License can operate under their normal hours; the vaccine-only requirement is in place only during late-night operations at businesses with a Late Hour License until June 26 (between 2AM and 4AM on Monday through Saturday mornings and between 3AM and 5AM on Sunday morning). This requirement will help us keep our momentum going by ensuring that everyone is fully vaccinated in late-night locations where people are closely congregating.
We hope you join us in celebrating this milestone! The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented crisis, but with the first day of summer just around the corner, we know there are brighter days ahead. From us to you: welcome back.