City of Chicago Announces Phase III Re-Opening

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that beginning on Wednesday, June 3^rd the City will proceed to the Phase III: Cautiously Reopen portion of her COVID-19 response plan.

On Tuesday, June 2^nd Mayor Lightfoot reiterated the City of Chicago will continue its plan to loosen restrictions on certain businesses and allow them to reopen, despite speculation the recent public disturbances over the past several days may temporarily postpone the partial re-opening.

For your reference, here are specific industry-specific guidelines offered by the City’s Department of Public Health. Additionally, the City has offered further guidance on the reopening self-certification process, employee resources, and additional resources.

The following represents a relevant list of industries opening first with these specific guidelines:

• Restaurants and coffee shops (outdoor dining only)

• Hotels / lodging

• Hospitals, dentists, community mental health centers, and Federally Qualified Health Centers

• Gyms (outdoor and 1:1 personal training only)

• Non-essential retail

 To see a full list of industries that will be permitted to reopen on June 3^rd, please click here.

Importantly, while the plan largely follows the statewide blueprint provided by Governor Pritzker the City’s plan has set stricter rules for reopening for many industries. Mayor Lightfoot cautioned that a spike in cases could lead to a reversion to Phase II – the phase we are currently in and involving stricter stay-at-home guidelines.