African American and Latinx communities in Chicago hit harder by COVID-19 than other neighborhoods. Levine added that restrictions like the ban on indoor dining, bars and nightclubs would not be lifted prior to New Year's Day. The Department of Health is considering if the state will lift those restrictions - which also includes gyms, casinos and indoor entertainment - by January 4th. Holiday travel and parties are still of great concern. "We will not be changing our mitigation orders but we will be discussing what the plan will be on January 4," Levine said. "It's critically important during the holiday weeks as we approach New Year's for people to continue mitigation and to avoid large and small gatherings."