What Chicagoans think of Lori Lightfoot tightening COVID rules on bars, restaurants, gyms

We asked Chicagoans: What do you think of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s decision to tighten restrictions on bars, restaurants and gyms after the COVID-19 spike among young people? Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

“She’s been given no other choice. She needs to keep the citizens safe. I’m not thrilled but thankful it’s not worse.” — Brice Notardonato Ellett

“Excellent! She follows the science, and that’s what keeps us safe. I really trust her.” — Chris Rutledge

“If people from the beginning would have taken the time to social distance and mask up, this never would have had to be done. I get people’s rights, but I have a right to not be infected by those that are not worried about it. I know you can’t eat or drink with a mask on, but owners need to follow occupancy regulations also that would help.” — Jane Kura Zielinski

“I think it’s good to keep social interaction as low as possible for now. COVID rates are still dangerously high, and it would be great to be as safe as possible rolling into the school year.” — D’Arcy Mies

“We gotta do what we gotta do. Don’t want people to get sick. Too many have died already. It’s a small price to pay to save lives.” — Marilyn Scharko

“Makes no sense to me. People will just travel to nearby suburbs and do what they want. People have to care about their own health, and obviously they don’t.” —Dae Russ

“What else can she do to keep everyone safe? I don’t like it, but I’d rather this than have everyone sick and the hospitals even more overwhelmed.” — Brian Alan

“I’d rather see steps like this than going back to full-on stay-at-home order. Don’t want to be Texas or Florida, that’s for sure.” — Brian Kozlowski

“She is doing what a leader needs to do: making tough decisions to keep people safe. Now, she just needs to work with Pritzker to keep the schools remote. Otherwise, be prepared to welcome back a lot more restrictions when the case numbers explode.” — Erin Michael Lundin

“I was against the easing of restrictions to begin with, thought it was way too soon. I am not happy or thrilled wearing masks, social distancing and, for the most part, sheltering at home. But the medical experts and scientists are mandating these restrictions. I said this from the beginning: I ONLY WANT TO DO THIS ONCE! So get it right.” — Paul Cherry

“Let me get this straight. She shuts down most bars and places some restrictions on restaurants and gyms, but she’s in favor of opening up schools? So, if I have a drink in a bar, I’ll get COVID-19. But if I’m in a school, I won’t? Speaking as a 20-year teaching veteran, good luck keeping kids socially distanced in a classroom, good luck keeping masks on kids, and, since classrooms are germ heaven for kids and teachers, good luck in believing that COVID-19 won’t spread in a school. If one kid gets sick and dies from COVID-19, and it’s traced back to the school at the time of infection, all hell will break loose in this city.” — Mike Crenshaw

“I’m not crazy about it, but it has to be done. I was visiting a bar last night, and, for the most part, there was social distancing, and everyone wore masks. But, as soon as I felt the mood start to get more relaxed, I left.” — Joanne Charron

“You have the same chance of catching the virus at the local grocery store than at the gym, bar or restaurant.” — Arturo Munoz

“I don’t know why people are so eager to get this disease. How important are bars, gyms and restaurants? Cook at home, have a beer (if it’s that important), and do some exercises or walk around the neighborhood. And wear a mask whenever you are near people.” — Karen Frank

“Lori gave plenty of notice and chances. I’m fine with it!” — Vera Woods II