Chicago/Cook Co. Reopening Updates, Suburban Vaccine Events
Thursday, April 29, 2021
The Illinois Restaurant Association continues to engage with local, state, and federal officials to help employers and employees address concerns about COVID-19. Please see the below resources and information for your business - updated as of 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 29. *** Chicago and Cook County Update Mitigations to 50% or 100 People Per Room at Restaurants, Vaccinated Guests Don't Count Toward Occupancy at Private Events/Weddings This morning, the city of Chicago and Cook County announced updates to their mitigation regulations for restaurants, bars, and events. If the city's reopening metrics remain stable or continue to decrease for the next two weeks and the city reaches the criteria set by the state, Chicago will join the state of Illinois in moving toward the Bridge to Phase 5. Chicago’s new Phase 4 Regulations that come into effect today and the Chicago Bridge Phase will broadly align with state-imposed regulations, with some additional restrictions that reflect Chicago’s experience with the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read the full announcement on the launch of "Open Chicago" from the city of Chicago. Click here to read the city of Chicago's updated Phase 4 guidelines, including the prospective Chicago Bridge Phase guidelines that may be reached in the next two weeks. Click here to read Cook County's updated guidelines. Restaurants, bars, and event venues in the city of Chicago and Cook County should note the below updates: Restaurants and bars Indoor capacity can increase to the lesser of 50% or 100 people. Outdoor capacity remains at the lesser of 50% or 100 people Table size remains at six people indoors and 10 people outdoors for restaurants, bars, and events. Guests that are fully vaccinated – defined as 14 days after receiving their final vaccine dose – will not count towards capacity limits at private events such as weddings. Events must be at a licensed business, they cannot be open to the public, and guests must RSVP prior to the event. Event organizers are responsible for ensuring that exempted guests are vaccinated and must keep records that include first name, last name, date of final vaccination dose and an attestation that the individual is fully vaccinated Note - this provision does not yet apply to regular dining room occupancy at restaurants and bars, and only applies to private events. Events must take place at designated event venues (i.e., a restaurant cannot rent out their regular restaurant space for an event) Spectator events, theater, and performing arts: Large indoor venues, including the United Center, can now operate at 25% capacity. Meetings, conferences, and conventions: Large indoor venues can now operate at the lesser of 25% or 250 people. Festivals and general admission outdoor spectator events: Operate at 15 people per 1,000 sq. ft. Open Streets The City is creating a $2 million program using CDBG funding to provide businesses in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods with grants to support expanded outdoor dining and safe spaces for consumers. The City is receiving $4 million in CDBG funding to support Plaza Streets and Shared Streets. Plaza Streets will convert excess pavement into usable community space for outdoor seating or programming by local community groups. The City, in partnership with the Chicago Loop Alliance, will transform State Street from Madison to Lake into an open street on Sundays beginning July 11. For up to 12 Sundays, a portion of State Street will be closed to vehicle traffic to give pedestrians a chance to experience arts and culture, active recreation, retail, restaurants and bars against the backdrop of State Street’s iconic architecture.
The IRA thanks Mayor Lightfoot and President Preckwinkle for announcing these steps in the right direction, and we remain in contact communication with local and state officials on the need to advance a safe and steady path to reopening and recovery. RRF Application Portal Opens Tomorrow, Applications Accepted Starting Monday Morning
The SBA has officially announced new details on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and the timeline for applications. Registrations for the application will begin this Friday, April 30, at 8:00 a.m. (Central) and applications will be accepted by SBA starting Monday, May 3 at 11:00 a.m. (Central). We encourage all operators to apply as soon as the application is live, as there will likely not be enough funds to fulfill every application with the current round of funding. Click here to review a new step by step guide to applications from the National Restaurant Association Click here to review the updated FAQ sheet from the National Restaurant Association. Click here to watch the recording of the IRA's recent webinar on RRF with Bo Steiner, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois District Office. In preparation, SBA recommends that operators familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by: Please contact the SBA RRF support hotline at (844) 279-8898 with questions about applying. Suburban Cook County Restaurant Worker Vaccination Day - This Monday 
The IRA is proud to be cohosting upcoming Restaurant Worker Vaccination Days with Cook County starting Monday, May 3 at various locations in suburban Cook County. Vaccinations are free, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Click here to make an appointment, or visit one of the county's walk-in vaccination sites. Senator Durbin Hosts Sam Sanchez as Virtual Guest for President Biden's Address Yesterday, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) held a virtual news conference to preview President Joe Biden’s first Joint Address to Congress and discuss how the American Rescue Plan has helped Illinoisans. Durbin was joined by IRA Chairman Sam Sanchez of Third Coast Hospitality and three other Illinoisans who were his “virtual guests” for the President’s Joint Address to Congress. “One of the most significant milestones of the Biden Administration’s first 100 days in office is the passage of the American Rescue Act, including the $28.6 billion for a dedicated Restaurant Revitalization Fund,” said Sanchez. “This is exactly the kind of relief restaurants have advocated for throughout this devastating year, and we commend and thank the administration for making it happen. Having funds set aside for small businesses, as well as establishments that are owned and led by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals is a critical element in the industry’s potential for long-term recovery.” Click here to read more. Mother's Day Specials - Let Us Know! Are you having Mother's Day specials at your restaurant? Let the IRA know and we'll promote it across our social media channels. Email Matt Quinn with a description, website link, and image to promote the special.
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