Chicago To Lift Mask and Proof-Of-Vaccine Mandates On Monday

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the city will drop its mask and proof-of-vaccination mandates on Monday, the same day that masking restrictions are set to expire statewide.

Chicago's public health commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady, said coronavirus metrics have declined to a level that signals a lower risk of spreading the virus and allows the city to lift the restrictions.

Lightfoot and Arwady, who were initially slow to join Gov. J.B. Pritzker in setting a date for ending masking mandates, said recent significant drops in those key metrics — hospital and intensive care unit capacity, cases and deaths per day, and test positivity — are the only reason for the move.

As of Monday, the average number of coronavirus cases per day in Chicago dropped 37 percent from 452 last week to 283. Daily hospitalizations and deaths have decreased 29 percent and 51 percent, respectively, since last week. And 76 percent of Chicagoans have had at least one coronavirus vaccination dose.

When the mandates are lifted at the end of the month, masks will continue to be required in health care settings, on public transit and other congregate settings.

The mayor, who plans to continue to wear a mask while dining in public, said she expects that some venues will continue to require mask-wearing.

"Folks, be kind and conscious of your fellow neighbors and any decisions they make for themselves to feel comfortable and protected," Lightfoot said.

Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia said the city's move to ditch mask and proof-of-vaccination requirements will help save local restaurants.

"Mayor Lightfoot’s announcement that the city will lift its proof of vaccination and mask requirements is an encouraging sign of better times ahead for Chicago’s restaurant community," Toia said in a statement. "This is a meaningful step that will increase consumer confidence and keep our restaurants on a steady path to recovery."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.