Chicago Restaurants Require Proof Of Vaccination Starting Today

On January 3rd, Chicago restaurants must start mandating vaccines for customers and workers.

This new rule was announced by Mayor Lori Lightfoot at a news conference on December 21st, and is a direct response to rising cases of the Omicron variant.

Everyone above the age of five must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter restaurants, gyms, museums, entertainment venues, and basically any place where food and drink are served. And (for now) the city is using the CDC’s current definition of fully vaccinated: two weeks after a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after receiving a single shot of Johnson & Johnson. To provide proof of vaccination, those above the age of 16 will need a photo ID, and either your original vaccination card, a digital card, a picture of your card on your phone, or a printed record from whoever administered the vaccine.

Those who refuse to get the vaccine due to religious or medical reasons may submit a written exemption, but those customers must also provide a negative Covid-19 test (that’s been administered by a medical professional) within the past 72 hours. For restaurants, customers without proof of vaccination may enter briefly to use the restroom, grab a coffee, or pick up a takeout order — as long as they stay no longer than ten minutes.