CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is loosening restrictions on restaurants and bar operations as COVID-19 vaccinations ramp up. The businesses will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Lightfoot’s decision comes as the city’s public health officials announced Illinois residents 65 or older can start making appointments Thursday for the United Center vaccination site. The site on the city’s West Side will open on March 9. Meanwhile, leaders of the restaurant industry remain unhappy about Lightfoot’s decision. Illinois Restaurant Association President Toia wants Lightfoot to increase the capacity for each restaurant room or designated area separated by a plexiglass divider from 50 people to 100 or 150 to accommodate increased business this spring.
