Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) on Thursday issued a stay-at-home advisory and called on residents to cancel their “traditional” Thanksgiving plans as part of an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Lightfoot announced advisory will take effect on Monday, November 16th, and will last 30 days. The mayor urged residents to avoid traveling, hosting house guests, or leaving their resident for non-essential business.
In October, Illinois Gov. Jay Pritzker (D) ordered Chicago restaurants and bars to stop serving customers indoors and limited gatherings to 25 people or 25 percent capacity.
Lightfoot is the latest Democrat to seek to curb residents’ activities going into the holiday season.
Cases have surged in New York, where Cuomo announced Wednesday that new restrictions would go into effect Friday. Private indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people, and gyms, bars and restaurants must close each night at 10 p.m. The curfew will apply only to restaurants licensed by the state liquor authority. Others may provide take-out after 10 p.m.
Cuomo told reporters the spread of the virus is mostly happening at bars, restaurants, gyms and house parties.
“COVID is getting worse by the day. All around the country. The fall surge is here. We are taking action but we need New Yorkers to do their part. Wear a mask. Get tested. Follow all health guidelines. Take this seriously,” he tweeted.
New York reported 4,820 positive tests and 21 deaths Tuesday and 1,628 hospitalizations.
The UPI contributed to this report.