October 8, 2020 – Bars and restaurants in Illinois continue to struggle with state-imposed restrictions to reduce the spread of Covid-19. With colder weather approaching, outdoor seating will begin to dissipate. Governor Pritzker is standing firm on his stance that restaurants and bars are hotbeds for the virus, and need federal help. “They are the ones that have been most impacted because the medical advice has been that we have to limit the capacity there more than in other places in order to limit the spread of the virus,” Pritzker said.
An update last month from the Illinois Department of Public Health reported that bars and restaurants accounted for 9% of outbreaks. Macon County is currently still at warning level and additional restrictions could soon be put in place that could include outdoor dining and curbside pickup only.
Today, IDPH announced 3,059 new cases and 32 additional deaths. With money for Illinois’ local governments unspent, Pritzker believes federal money will arrive soon.
