Lightfoot loosens coronavirus restrictions, expanding capacity for Cubs, Sox games, outdoor dining,

[TexasTowelie]

Lightfoot loosens coronavirus restrictions, expanding capacity for Cubs, Sox games, outdoor dining, exercise classes, performance venues, weddings and more


Mayor Lori Lightfoot loosened restrictions for outdoor activities such as baseball games, patio dining, exercise classes, weddings and concerts on Thursday, but didn’t budge on indoor capacity limits as Chicago grapples with a recent COVID-19 uptick that has officials alarmed.

As Major League Baseball’s opening day approaches, the move also further increases capacity at outdoor sports venues such as Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field. Earlier this month, Lightfoot announced more than 8,000 fans, 20% of capacity, will be allowed into the stands at both Chicago baseball stadiums after fans were forced to watch from home last season.

Citing a worrying increase in coronavirus cases, Lightfoot said she will keep current capacity limits at indoor establishments. But bars and restaurants can now increase their maximum outdoor table size to 10 people, with tables set up so that patrons are 6 feet from patrons at other tables, the city said.

When asked on a call with reporters whether expanding outdoor capacities while warning about an increase in cases sends mixed messages, Lightfoot said the recent spike in cases is due more to indoor activities with people not wearing masks.

Read more: https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-chicago-lightfoot-further-loosens-restrictons-20210325-dlrtzsweozfnnirc77zdfwp7mq-story.html