Posted on June 11, 2021

Effective today, Chicago is officially in Phase 5. This move is possible because Chicago’s COVID-19 metrics are at record lows and over 50% of Chicagoans are at least partially vaccinated.

All four reopening metrics are in the lower-risk and declining steadily, with the test positivity rate and new daily cases at the lowest level since the pandemic began.

Visit the Reopening Businesses Portal for more information.

Phase 5 Guidelines for Chicago Businesses

• For businesses and venues where everyone present is fully vaccinated, face coverings and social distancing in both indoor and outdoor settings are not required. Businesses and municipalities are permitted to continue requiring face coverings and social distancing as they deem appropriate.
• For indoor businesses and venues where everyone present is not fully vaccinated, unvaccinated persons should wear a face covering and maintain six feet social distance. Businesses and venues may continue to require face coverings and/or social distancing.
• At outdoor businesses and venues, unvaccinated persons may choose not to wear a face covering when able to maintain a six-foot social distance while outdoors, unless required to do so by a business or municipality.
• Please note that masks are still required in Phase 5 in certain settings, such as:
  • health care
  • public transportation (including taxis, liveries and ride-hail services)
  • congregate facilities.
• Additionally, it is still recommended that non-vaccinated individuals wear masks when they are indoors and unable to social distance. Therefore, businesses are encouraged to post signage indicating that masks are still recommended for unvaccinated customers.
• Businesses may choose to keep certain regulations in place for the safety of their customers and employees, including requiring masks for all customers. The City supports any business that chooses to do this – businesses can require masks for all customers and refuse entry to customers that refuse to wear a mask. Businesses that require masks for all patrons should post signage indicating their mask policy so customers are aware prior to entry.
• Existing hour limitations will remain in place until June 26, when the statewide emergency health order expires. This means:
  • Alcohol sales from establishments with a Package Goods License must still end at 11:00 pm until June 26.
  • Establishments with a Late Hour Liquor License need to have fully vaccinated customers only during late night operations.
  • Bars or restaurants with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity License can operate under their normal hours – the vaccine-only requirement is in place only during late-night operations at businesses with a Late Hour License until June 26 (between 2:00 am and 4:00 am on Monday through Saturday mornings and between 3:00 am and 5:00 am on Sunday morning).

Phase 5 in Chicago
Presented by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

On Friday, June 11, the City of Chicago officially entered Phase 5, lifting most restrictions for businesses. Join this webinar for an overview of the Phase 5 guidance for Chicago businesses.

Monday, June 14
2:00 p.m.
Online Event – Register Here