Chicago to require proof of vaccination at restaurant, bars

It would apply to “places people go to spend a significant amount of time and take your mask off,” Karr said, such as restaurants, bars and gyms. He said there would be a weekly testing option for employees who are unvaccinated, but no testing option for customers.

Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia told the Chicago Sun-Times that the mayor’s office had discussed the same details with his organization.

On Monday, Illinois reported about 12,330 new COVID-19 cases — the highest daily total in more than a year. Much of that increase has been driven by the omicron variant, prompting fears of a winter surge.

Federal health officials announced Monday that omicron accounted for 73% of new infections last week, a nearly sixfold increase in only seven days.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported omicron’s prevalence is even higher in some parts of the U.S., with the variant responsible for an estimated 90% of new infections in the industrial Midwest, the New York area, the Southeast and the Pacific Northwest.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday that the city will require proof of vaccination for workers and customers at many indoor businesses beginning in mid-January. New York and San Francisco already require it.

Karr called the Chicago requirement a “reasonably measured approach.”

“It certainly is better than shutting businesses down,” he said.

Much about the omicron variant remains unknown, including whether it causes more or less severe illness. Early studies suggest the vaccinated will need a booster shot for the best chance at preventing omicron infection but even without the extra dose, vaccination still should offer strong protection against severe illness and death.