OT?: Lightfoot bringing the heat back down on Chicago dining [LOCKED]

Submitted by WindyCityBlue on October 22nd, 2020 at 3:59 PM

Since Lightfoot went to Michigan, I call this somewhat OT.  With that, she's re-closing indoor dining in Chicago.  Big move IMO.  I could be wrong, but I don't know of anywhere else that reversed course in the U.S.  

https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-chicago-lightfoot-arwady-news-conference-20201022-2i5htmjrrrbolc2jp4gw5lu5va-story.html

[Locking and taking names, folks. If you're looking to participate in political s***-slinging, you'll have plenty to participate in on Twitter tonight before, during, and after the debate]

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acjgoblu

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:22 PM ^

Same basic thing here. I'm north of Chicago in the burbs but it's the same story all over the area - cases have doubled in the last couple weeks. Things were reasonable about 3 weeks ago, then levels skyrocketed quickly. All of the schools by us have sent kids back home from the hybrid learning platforms because there were too many cases in the area AND in the schools. Hopefully it's a short-lived thing and we can get back on track soon, but I can't say I blame them looking at the numbers.

Joined: 09/17/2019

MGoPoints: 575

Monocle Smile

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:44 PM ^

Uh, drawing that conclusion three weeks in? Are you kidding me?

I mean, if school districts are able to do it safely, that's wonderful and may indeed set a great national example. 

However, as someone who comes from a family of educators, it's a monumental effort to develop a plan for safe in-person learning (when there's essentially no model, the article notwithstanding) and loads of districts don't have the funding or administrators with enough spine and ability to even make a legitimate effort.

Joined: 09/17/2009

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Ryno2317

October 22nd, 2020 at 5:00 PM ^

And, here is the very recent study explaining what is the deciding factor in whether or not schools have been allowed to open.  Hint:  it has nothing to do with science.  Rather, it has everything to do with the strength of the teachers union.  But, you already know that coming from a family of educators.  

https://educationdailywire.com/stories/558012335-brown-university-study-finds-politics-play-a-role-in-pandemic-school-reopenings

Joined: 10/14/2013

MGoPoints: 12486

buddha

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:59 PM ^

Not sure I know what you mean here. California does not have a state-wide response. Rather, the Governor's office has established a four-tier scorecard that drives county-level operations. Based on (hopefully) positive performance against the scorecard, individual counties are able to open more businesses.

You may be right that an individual county or possibly more opened back up in July only to be closed again, but that's the exception to the rule out here. The Bay Area only recently allowed indoor dining in late September / early October; Los Angeles and the surrounding counties down there mostly reopened in October. Thus far, to my knowledge, only Riverside County has had any spikes in cases that may have resulted from increased openings. Other than that, it's been pretty good and rates have either held steady or continued to drop.

 

Joined: 10/08/2009

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Shop Smart Sho…

October 22nd, 2020 at 5:11 PM ^

I know, right? Wouldn't it be awesome if the Senate would take up any of the bills the House has voted on and sent to them? You know, the ones full of stimulus money to help people keep their businesses closed or on limited operations so as to protect the most vulnerable amongst us?

Joined: 07/10/2008

MGoPoints: 9602

IncrediblySTIFF

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:12 PM ^

I lived in the west loop in March of this year, and left towards the end of April.  Considering all the instagram posts I see of people aged ~20-35 out and about like nothing has changed, I don't blame her for this.  it sucks for these businesses but will likely save lives 

Joined: 03/26/2011

MGoPoints: 7962

NittanyFan

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:13 PM ^

I'm sure after 7 months, this is the bullet that will ultimately break CV's back.  I'm also sure this will result in no economic suffering among the populace.

(sarcasm, of course)

-------

Also, FWIW:

"Lightfoot said Monday she didn’t think there was a “cause and effect” between the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and bar operations, citing information developed by the city’s corps of contact tracers that determined that most new cases stemmed from contact with relatives or friends."

The "science" changes quick as regards CV!

https://news.wttw.com/2020/10/22/lightfoot-orders-bars-stop-indoor-service-businesses-close-10-pm-amid-coronavirus

Joined: 12/04/2012

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Shop Smart Sho…

October 22nd, 2020 at 5:14 PM ^

I bet it's bad for business when reactionary politicians refuse to negotiate in good faith on bills that have targeted monies for small businesses. Like, it could force people to keep their doors open despite the health risk. I wonder what could happen then...

https://www.wtoc.com/2020/10/12/savannah-business-owner-dies-covid-/

https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/14/us/phoenix-arizona-aguirre-family-covid-deaths/index.html

Joined: 07/10/2008

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Sparty Doesn't Know

October 22nd, 2020 at 6:35 PM ^

After you reread Wealth of Nations, I am going to go ahead and ask you to learn what inflation and monetary policy is.  Also going to ask you to refrain from posting about business and economic topics until you have at least a 4th grader's understanding of the topics.

Oh, and I thought if we all just wore masks...

Joined: 01/11/2018

MGoPoints: 2234

skatin@the_palace

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:13 PM ^

It seems the lack of a discretionary budget to spend on health code violations is biting Chicago in the ass. They could be equally as effective and potentially generate revenue by asserting hefty fines or revoking business licenses for those businesses that don't adhere to the ordinances. The city today stated an industry mixer at bar with 150+ people is evidence of the risk of indoor spread of COVID. Obviously the place wasn't following guidelines but with no way to monitor/enforce or deter it the guidelines are ineffective. Now countless bars, taverns, and restaurants will be forced to close and the one industry that had been carrying the city will die. 

Joined: 09/07/2019

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m83econ

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:16 PM ^

Quite a stretch to say this one fits parameters for a post.  Especially since there's no change it goes political...

Joined: 09/13/2008

MGoPoints: 7297

uofmchris1

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:40 PM ^

Since you started it.... I guess Chicago residents wont have to worry about getting murdered while dining inside of their favorite establishment. I guess that is a positive spin on this?

Joined: 11/24/2018

MGoPoints: 2110

IGotJobbed

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:41 PM ^

That's stupid but it's Lightfoot so I get it. Whackjob mayors just keep doing their thing

Joined: 09/16/2020

MGoPoints: 926

bluesparkhitsy…

October 22nd, 2020 at 4:50 PM ^

How did you get "she's re-closing indoor dining" from this?  That's absolutely not what she's doing.  Restaurants can stay open, including for indoor service.

Joined: 10/16/2010

MGoPoints: 2442

lsjtre

October 22nd, 2020 at 6:34 PM ^

Did not know shes an alum, pretty cool how many alums you can find in prominent positions you never knew about

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