With COVID-19 numbers spiking amid an apparent pandemic wave, Gov. J.B. Pritzker today mandated the partial shutdown for establishments in Region 7 (Will and Kankakee counties) and Region 8 (DuPage and Kane counties).
The new rules go into effect on Oct. 23. Mitigation measures taking effect October 23 in Regions 7 and 8 include:
Bars:
- No indoor service
- All outside bar service closes at 11:00 p.m.
- All bar patrons should be seated at tables outside
- No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed)
- Tables should be 6 feet apart
- No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
- No dancing or standing indoors
- Reservations required for each party
- No seating of multiple parties at one table
Restaurants:
- No indoor dining or bar service
- All outdoor dining closes at 11:00 p.m.
- Outside dining tables should be 6 feet apart
- No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
- Reservations required for each party
- No seating of multiple parties at one table
Meetings, Social Events, Gatherings
- Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25 percent of overall room capacity
- No party buses
- Gaming and Casinos close at 11:00 p.m., are limited to 25 percent capacity, and follow mitigations for bars and restaurants, if applicable
These mitigations do not currently apply to schools.
The new restrictions will be lifted when average positivity rates hold at 6.5 percent or less for at least three days in a row.
The press release is available at: https://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/news-item.aspx?ReleaseID=22237
We are available to answer your questions about any general issues concerning your business.
If you need assistance navigating these uncertain times, please reach out to us. Our law office has remained open and continues to serve our clients. We are available by telephone, email and Zoom.