At today’s press conference, Mayor Lightfoot announced a new campaign called “Stay Home, Save Lives”.
“This has the potential to break the back of our healthcare system if we don’t act decisively,” stated Lightfoot. “We could be expecting upwards of 40,000 hospitalizations in the coming weeks. Not 40,000 cases, but 40,000 people that would need acute care.”
Mayors from the Chicagoland area joined Mayor Lightfoot to show regional unity for social distance and staying at home, reminding us that this is not an isolated problem.
“In Chicago when it comes to staying home, most Chicagoans have done their part,” stated Lightfoot. “But many have not, and you know who you are. We have seen hundreds of people congregating together along the Lakefront and the 606. Your conduct is posing a direct threat to our public health. Without question your continued failure to abide by these lifesaving orders will erase any progress we have made over the last week staying home.”
Effective immediately, the Mayor has ordered the closure of the entire Chicago Lakefront, 606 Trail, and the Riverwalk. Until the public health commissioner determines that the threat is over, this will stand. They will be aggressively ramping up patrols. You can still walk, bike, and run, but you have to do it safely. You can’t congregate. You must avoid crowds.
Bikers can go to Chicago.gov/cdot and look for alternative routes for biking.
All contact sports are also restricted like basketball and football. “A pandemic means it’s hear in our midst every day and we’ve got to all do our part.”
The City of Chicago is not taking away our physical activity. You just can’t congregate. “Congregating on the lakefront is unacceptable and could lead to death. Dear God, stay home, save lives.”
