Mayor Lightfoot Announces the Protecting Chicago Framework to Guide Chicago’s Reopening Process

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced the Protecting Chicago framework that the City will be using to guide Chicago’s reopening process amid COVID-19. The framework is organized into five phases and Chicago has already transitioned from phase one (Strict Stay-at-Home) to phase two (Stay-at-Home):

• PHASE ONE: STRICT STAY-AT-HOME – Limit the amount of contact with others; goal is to limit interactions to rapidly slow the spread of COVID-19
• PHASE TWO: STAY-AT-HOME – Guard against unsafe interactions with others; goal is to continue flattening the curve while safely being outside
• PHASE THREE: CAUTIOUSLY REOPEN – Strict physical distancing with some businesses opening; goal is to thoughtfully begin to reopen Chicago safely
• PHASE FOUR: GRADUALLY RESUME – Continued staggered reopening into a new normal; goal is to further reopen Chicago while ensuring the safety of residents
• PHASE FIVE: PROTECT – Continue to protect vulnerable populations; goal is to continue to maintain safety until COVID-19 is contained

The City is working with industry-led working groups, with input from community-based organizations, to determine guidance for businesses when they do begin to reopen. This guidance will be developed around three key areas including healthy interactions for workers and customers, safe spaces and working conditions, and operations and monitoring.

In addition, the City has established a set of epidemiological factors such as COVID-19 case rate, hospital capacity, testing capacity and contact tracing. As part of the reopening strategy, the City is also soliciting public input to gauge sentiment on shelter-in-place and ensure the reopening is phased in a way that eases concerns that residents may have. To provide feedback, residents can visit chicago.gov/coronavirus/reopeningsurvey to complete a short survey.

To learn more about the City's plans for reopening, visit chicago.gov/coronavrus.

This information was shared from the Chicago Department of Public Health.