FRIDAY, JULY 30
City of Chicago Releases New Mask Recommendations
This afternoon the CDPH announced updated recommendations for mask guidance. Following updated guidance from the CDC and based on Chicago’s current local COVID-19 data, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) now recommends that everyone over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in public indoor settings. Masking remains optional in outdoor settings, where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower.

Today Chicago surpassed 200 new COVID-19 cases per day and has therefore moved into the CDC’s “substantial” category of local transmission. 
Click here to view the current level of community transmission in your county or metro area.
CDPH recommends businesses, employers, and event organizers require universal masking in all public indoor settings. In outdoor settings, masks remain optional, no changes are being made to the recommendations for social distancing.

Read the full press release here.

"In order to control the spread of COVID-19, individuals must get vaccinated as soon as possible. A backslide would be catastrophic for our community and businesses throughout the state. As one of the most highly regulated sectors, the restaurant industry continues to prioritize the health and safety of its workforce and customers. As always, the IRA encourages operators to follow CDC and local health guidance. We are confident that our restaurants will maintain safe and welcoming environments for all while we continue to advocate for increased vaccination and the replenishment of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund." —Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association

Click here for vaccinations sites in Chicago.
Click here for vaccination sites throughout Illinois.
Operating Guidance Updates from the National Restaurant Association
The National Restaurant Association provides a best practices guide for all restaurants operating during the pandemic. They collaborate with safety experts from government organizations, academia, the public health sector, and corporations to bring operators the most up-to-date guidelines to support safe dining. The Operating Guidance was recently updated with the most recent OSHA guidance.

Click here to view the Operating Guidance.
Reach Hospitality Job Seekers with Culinary Agents - Discount for IRA Members

In order to help restaurants and bars statewide address ongoing staffing challenges, the IRA has partnered with Culinary Agents to offer 10% off job posts to their network of 950k+ hospitality professionals nationwide.

Click here to learn more. Job seekers can visit the IRA Job Board here.
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