COVID deaths in the state surpassed 10,000 this week and there could be more restrictions coming as infections rise here as they are across the country. And the governor himself isn’t safe from the spread… he announced yesterday that he was isolating and got tested after a possible exposure to the virus earlier this week at a meeting in his large conference room.
And with those possibly expanding restrictions, restaurants and bars that are currently closed with the indoor dining ban now face the prospect of closures that could last all winter. So, Mayor Lightfoot is offering $10,000 grants to help independent bars and restaurants get over the hump. This week, she announced a $10 million program to support independent bars and restaurants. Applications will be taken beginning November 16th and the grants will be issued via lottery, with an eye toward helping the hardest hit establishments on the South and West Sides.
There are other programs to help the industry, including a plan to cap the amount of fees delivery services like GrubHub and DoorDash can charge and a training program to get hospitality workers ready to work in other industries... find more info on that here.
There's also a contest for Chicagoans to encourage support for the industry by offering prizes for people who ordering takeout and delivery from 10 local eateries by December 15th... send your info and a list of the 10 places where you ordered to: TakeOutChicago@ChooseChicago.com.
Here's to the quarantine ending soon again and getting back to business!