What’s open in Chicago Update

What’s open in Chicago Update

The State of Illinois imposed new restrictions for Chicago effective Monday, January 18, 2021. These restrictions are in place until further notice. For the most up to date restrictions check here.

The status of what is open is changing constantly. Many businesses have modified hours, have or will close either temporarily or permanently so always call first before heading out.

State v. City Guidelines

Per the State of Illinois we are in Tier 2 Resurgence Mitigations, Per the City of Chicago we are in Phase IV. Phase IV Capacity Guidelines( pdf). They are essentially the same. Just another waste of our tax dollars creating two identical systems.

What’s open in Chicago?

Restaurants & bars: Outdoor service, take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery can continue. Reservations required for outdoor service.
Parks & gardens: Outdoor activities limited to non-contact sports in small groups only (e.g. tennis). Playgrounds are temporarily closed.
Shopping: Retail stores: 40% capacity. Grocery Stores and Pharmacies: 50% capacity. Big box store that sell a combination of general retail, groceries and/or pharmacies among other goods must operate at 40% capacity.
Museums: Indoors at 25% capacity, Guided tours limited to 50 people, Groups limited to 10 people. . Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium are reopening.

Millennium Park: Restricted access with limited amenities open.
Chicago Riverwalk: All concessions are closed
Chicago Public Library: Main library and most branches open. Open at 25% indoor capacity.
Movie Theaters and Performance Venues: Can reopen indoors at 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space.
Online entertainment

Hotels/lodging: Some hotels are closed at least until spring.
Chicago Transit Authority: Restrictions on bus and train car capacity. I’ve been on buses where it’s not enforced.
Metra: Train lines are running on reduced or alternate schedules.

Other industries or activities are closed indoors:

Places of worship: Limit each indoor space to 50 individuals or 40% capacity (whichever is fewer). Special events have further restrictions.
Health and Fitness Centers: 25% indoor capacity; indoor group classes allowed at 25% capacity with no more than 10 individuals per group; outdoor activities allowed at 25% capacity with group activities limited to 10 people or fewer; Locker rooms and showers can remain open if strict and frequent cleaning measures are in place; Close ancillary accommodations, including saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms, where social distancing is not possible.
Personal Services: Limit to 50 individuals or 40% capacity, whichever is fewer. Services that require the removal of face coverings must cease. Physical, occupational and massage therapy allowed as deemed necessary by a medical provider.

Outdoor Activities: Outdoor museums, performance venues and other outdoor activities can continue at 25% capacity. Group sizes are limited to 10 people or less, with total capacity limited to 100 people, while social distancing. Reservations required for each guest.
Out-of-School Programs: Indoor group exercise or fitness classes capped at 10 individuals (e.g., dance, yoga). Programs in which participants are primarily seated/stationery may continue in cohorts of up to 15 people (e.g., painting, creative writing, homework help).

Non-essential businesses must be closed to the public between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am

Liquor sales: Bars, restaurants and other establishments with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license can sell alcohol on-site or to-go until 11:00 pm. Liquor stores, grocery stores and other establishments with a Package Goods license must still cease alcohol sales at 9:00 pm.
Restaurants may continue to sell food via delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup at all hours.

State of Illinois Travel Restrictions