Replies(12)
Claudia Lopez tests residents for the COVID-19 virus at Roseland Community Hospital on December 14, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL Restrictions intended to curb the spread of coronavirus, including a ban on indoor dining, could return to suburban Cook County within a matter of days, one county public health official told reporters on Saturday.
Dr. Rachel Rubin, co-lead of the Cook County Department of Public Health, said another rise in cases could trigger the department to re-enact restrictions, the Chicago Tribune reported. That could mean a ban on indoor dining and imposing gathering limits, she said.
The restaurant, owned by Alderman Tom Tunney, was cited on December 4.
After being called out on social media, the 44th Ward alderman admitted to an error in judgment for allowing regular customers to dine in at the Belmont location despite the city s ban on indoor dining due to high rates of COVID-19.
The establishment has been a Lakeview neighborhood institution for nearly 40 years with a loyal customer base. It is also well known for its cinnamon rolls.
During the state and city COVID-19 restrictions in effect at the time, the sign outside said they were open for pick-up and delivery, but apparently, they also allowed regulars to dine inside until someone called attention to it.
COVID-19 vaccine administered at AHEPA apartments
Nick Gianikos, a housing board member at the AHEPA apartments in Merrillville, receives his Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from Walgreens pharmacist Mindy Keeton on Monday. Kale Wilk, The Times
COVID-19 vaccine administered at AHEPA apartments
Peter Murdakes, left, a housing board member at the AHEPA apartments in Merrillville, has his temperature taken by Walgreens manager Michelle Munoz on Monday. Kale Wilk, The Times
COVID-19 vaccine administered at AHEPA apartments
Walgreens pharmacist Mindy Keeton, left, pokes the arm of Martha Metts to give the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 11 at the AHEPA apartments in Merrillville. Kale Wilk, The Times
Pompei has served the area since 1909.
In all the ups and downs of the Italian eatery s history, this time doesn t compare with other tough times, according to owner Ralph Davino. I ve never had it this bad at Pompei, and I took over in 1984, said Davino.
Davino stood with other restaurateurs, calling for some indoor dining to be restored.
They are urging city and state officials to make changes in COVID-19 policy so that thousands of Chicago restaurants can reopen January 29, partially indoors. It is now critical for Mayor Lightfoot and the aldermen to restore indoor dining to 20-percent capacity and help us keep our longtime employees on their jobs, said Mary Kay Tuzi, owner of Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern.