Governor bans indoor dining in Chicago amid virus surge

Surging COVID-19 cases in Chicago prompted Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday to ban indoor dining and bar services and limit the number of people gathering in one place.

The rules taking effect Friday will force diners and bar patrons outdoors and shut down service at 11 p.m. No more than 25 people may gather at one time, or in other indoor spaces. Occupancy may not exceed 25 percent capacity.

Dr Ngozi Ezike, the state public health director, said positive test results are climbing and have remained above 8 percent for three consecutive days. But officials are also troubled by an increase in hospital admissions.

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