Proof Of COVID-19 Vaccine Required For Chicago Bars, Restaurants, Gyms Starting Jan. 3. Here’s What To Know – Block Club Chicago

CHICAGO The city will require some businesses including bars, restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues to start checking patrons COVID-19 vaccination status starting Jan. 3, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Tuesday.

The move, which mimics requirements in other major cities, comes as Chicago is facing a COVID-19 surge. Officials hope the measure will slow the spread of the Omicron variant, which now makes up the majority of new COVID cases throughout the country.

Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, said his group pushed for as business-friendly mitigations as they could get amid the surge since the industry is still in a fragile recovery, he said.

Capacity limits would kill the the industry, but vaccine passports would keep businesses in operation, Toia said.

Heres what you need to know:

Indoor dining spots

Indoor fitness establishments

Indoor entertainment and recreation venues where food and drinks are served

The order will go into effect Jan. 3.

Everyone 5 and older must show proof of full vaccination at eligible businesses and establishments.

People 16 and older will also have to provide an ID that matches their vaccination record.

Patrons will have to show one of the following as proof of vaccine:

Employees at eligible venues who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a mask when interacting with patrons and must provide their employer with proof of a negative COVID-19 test every week.

Officials didnt put a deadline on the vaccine proof requirement. It will remain in effect until the city is through this Omicron-driven surge and the risk of overwhelming hospital capacity has passed, according to the Mayors Office.

According to the mayors order, business owners and employees who dont enforce the vaccine proof requirement could be subject to arrests and fines.

The order does not mention potential punishments for patrons who do not comply. Businesses can deny service to patrons who refuse to comply.

Businesses covered under the order must develop and keep a written record describing their protocol for implementing and enforcing the vaccine requirement, according to the city.

Businesses must also prominently post signs at each entrance and at least one sign inside the location informing patrons of the requirement.

And businesses covered under the order must check eligible patrons vaccination status.

Businesses can get more information and guidance at Chicago.gov/COVID.

The city will also hold information webinars 11 a.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. Dec. 29 and 2 p.m. Jan. 4. To register, click here.

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Proof Of COVID-19 Vaccine Required For Chicago Bars, Restaurants, Gyms Starting Jan. 3. Here's What To Know - Block Club Chicago