Illinois’ Chicago will be imposing new COVID-19 related curbs for those accessing public areas like bars, restaurants and gyms as the Omicron variant of the virus has spiked the infection rate in the United States. Lori Lightfoot, the city’s mayor announced the restrictions on Tuesday.
The new mandate, which will be put in place starting January 3, will apply to all places serving food and beverages, including entertainment and sports venues. Those entering will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID.
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Lightfoot said there would be a weekly testing option for employees who are unvaccinated, but no testing option for customers. Proof of vaccination may be with a physical card, or a photo of the card. The requirement doesn’t apply to houses of worship, elementary and secondary schools, grocery stores and office or residential buildings.
Warnings will be issued to businesses not complying, but if a business repeatedly violates the rules, “we’re going to bring the hammer down,” Lightfoot said.
Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, has been recording nearly 1,700 cases of COVID-19 every day. The numbers were about 300 per day just weeks ago, according to reports from Associated Press citing statements from Lightfoot.
Lightfoot’s office revealed the COVID-19 related data, saying that nearly 10 people are dying every day from COVID while about 60 require hospitalisation. The office added that most of those who are dying are mostly unvaccinated.
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On Monday, Illinois reported about 12,330 new COVID-19 cases — the highest daily total in more than a year. Much of that increase has been driven by the omicron variant, prompting fears of a winter surge.
Federal health officials announced Monday that omicron accounted for 73% of new infections last week, a nearly sixfold increase in only seven days.
(With AP inputs)
