Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file photo
With Phase 1B of Illinois’ vaccine rollout underway, restaurant owners are advocating for their employees to be prioritized for the shot.
The Chicago Restaurants Coalition demanded the city expedite vaccines for at least four employees per restaurant at a Monday news conference. Food service workers are expected to become eligible during Phase 1C of Illinois’ rollout plan, which has an estimated start date of March 29 in Chicago.
“Chicago’s 7300 restaurants are absolutely essential to our city’s economic survival,” coalition coordinator Roger Romanelli said. “It’s critical to look at restaurants as integral to our daily lives.”