Chicago Joins Other Major Cities By Enforcing Vaccine Mandates for Indoor Spaces

Beginning January 3, Chicago residents will need to show proof of vaccination to enter indoor establishments like restaurants, bars, gyms, or entertainment centers where food and drinks are served. The mandate applies to everyone ages five and older.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a statement:

“The policy is in response to an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases both locally and nationally, driven in part by the omicron variant. Despite our diligent and equitable vaccine distribution efforts throughout this year, unfortunately, our city continues to see a surge of COVID-19 Delta and now Omicron cases. New steps must be taken to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents. This public health order requiring proof of vaccination to visit certain indoor public places is a necessary measure to ensure we can continue to enjoy our city’s many amenities as we enter the new year.”

Those aged five and older will need to provide proof of identification, but those aged 16 and older will also need to show identification that matches their vaccine record. Employees at these venues will either need to be vaccinated or wear a mask and show proof of a weekly negative Covid test. In addition to the vaccine mandates, the city’s mask mandate will remain in effect.

The city health commissioner stated, “With Omicron, I do expect to see many more COVID reinfections and breakthrough cases, but luckily the vaccines continue to protect very well against severe illness, hospitalization, and death—and even more so when people have also had a booster shot. I remain most worried about the hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans who still have not received a single dose of COVID vaccine nor recovered from COVID infection. I’m worried for their own health, but also for the risk they pose to others’ health and to our hospital capacity—and while we are in this concerning surge, we must limit that risk.”

There are some exceptions to the mandate. If you pick up coffee and are inside for less than 10 minutes, you are not violating the mandate. You may vote inside or assist someone voting indoors without checking vaccination status. Houses of worship, the airport, schools, daycares, and soup kitchens are also excluded from the order.

Local health officials confirmed at least two cases of Omicron in the Chicago area and at least one in the city itself.

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Sarah Abrams

Sarah is a wife, new mom, and proud American living in Austin, Texas. She hopes her writing inspires others to seek truth and uphold the values that make this country great. When she is not writing about politics and culture, she enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants, and spending time outdoors with her family.