Bars, personal service businesses and parties should return to more restrictive COVID-19 mitigation guidelines as infection numbers increase in suburban Cook County, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health.
In an advisory posted Aug. 3, CCDPH issued guidance for measures in bars, fitness clubs, personal care businesses and other settings designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The measures are based on Tier 1 mitigation measures in the Restore Illinois Mitigation Plan.
COVID-19 cases are increasing in suburban Cook, especially among young adults in their 20s, health officials said. The daily count of new COVID-19 cases has reached levels previously seen in March. COVID-19 rates for people in their 20s are now about 2.5 times higher than they were at the end of March, and this age group now has the highest rates of COVID-19.
As of July 31, there was an eight-day increase in COVID-19 positivity rates in suburban Cook County, based on a 7-day rolling average, and a two-day increase in hospital admission increases.
On July 31, the positivity rate was 5.8 percent in suburban Cook County, up from 5.2 percent July 22. These are two of the metrics from the Restore Illinois Mitigation Plan that indicate the need for mitigation at this time.
This guidance applies to suburban Cook County, with the exception of Evanston, Skokie and Oak Park.
Recommendations include:
- Bars, taverns, breweries and other establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption without a retail food license are being asked to serve customers outdoors only.
- Restaurants that serve alcohol must continue to abide by ongoing COVID-19 guidance and existing regulations.
- Maximum party size and table occupancy at restaurants, bars, taverns, and breweries should be reduced to six people (indoor or outdoor).
- Indoor fitness class size should be reduced to a maximum of 10 people.
- Personal service businesses should discontinue services (shaves, facials) that require the
- removal of face coverings.
- Residential property managers should limit guest entry to six people per unit to avoid indoor gatherings and parties.
- Businesses should institute remote work for high-risk individuals and continue to support telework for as many workers as possible.
- Retail establishments should maintain no more than 50 percent capacity, which is the current recommendation.