CHICAGO — In a press conference earlier today, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady, to announce “Protecting Chicago”– a five-phase framework that the City will be using to guide Chicago’s reopening process amid COVID-19. The framework will advise Chicagoans on how to safely exit from shelter-in-place while continuing to prioritize the health of our most vulnerable residents. Here’s what people are saying about it:

“As we plan for a return to teaching and research at the University of Illinois at Chicago, our decisions will be guided by city and state recommendations based on sound science and public health recommendations. Mayor Lightfoot’s reopening framework for Chicago will provide flexibility and direction as we move to safely reopen Chicago’s institutions and businesses while protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.” – Michael D. Amiridis, Chancellor, UIC

“The Magnificent Mile Association represents a variety of industries with a singular goal: to welcome our guests in a safe and smart manner. We applaud the Mayor's proactive collaboration with business and community leaders who advocate for a reasonable and health-based framework. We are proud to serve on the COVID-19 Recovery Task Force and pleased to share the latest guidance with our members and constituents. As we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the DuSable Bridge on Michigan Avenue on May 14, 2020 – by the site of Chicago’s first settlement – our future will be brighter for responding to this crisis as one Chicago.” – Kimberly Bares, President and CEO, The Magnificent Mile® Association

“At McCormick Place, our focus has been preparing to not just re-open in a safe, responsible manner, but to ensure our future operations reflect the changed environment. The associations, corporations and organizations that come to McCormick Place for, tradeshows, conventions and corporate meetings, and our nearly 3,000 campus employees are counting on us, to provide a safe place to do business. We look forward to working with the City, State, and our clients to ensure that we meet and exceed that expectation.” – Larita Clark, CEO, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority

“As the representative of Chicago’s commercial buildings, we are pleased to support Mayor Lightfoot’s leadership in getting our economy back on track in a cautious and data-driven manner.” – Michael Cornicelli, Executive Vice President, Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago

“The reality is, it’s going to be tough for our industry. We want the public to safe as well as us and our team. The more we are inform, practice great hygiene & social distancing and be kind while adapting to the temporary changes. It helps in the process to heal from the damage this pandemic has caused.” – Thai Dang, Owner and Executive Chef, HaiSous

“The retail sector, which includes restaurants, is being decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many struggling to keep their businesses viable. Meanwhile, grocery stores and pharmacies have met record demand for goods all while putting in place innovative social distancing rules and new hygiene practices to provide a safe shopping environment for both employees and customers. IRMA appreciates the continued dialogue with Mayor Lightfoot and her team, and we look forward to leading a working group to establish a plan to safely reopen the retail sector.” – Tanya Triche Dawood, Vice President and General Counsel, Illinois Retail Merchants Association

“The Loop is everyone’s neighborhood, and we look forward to welcoming folks back through a health-focused, gradual reopening process based on the guidelines from our city leadership. We're particularly encouraged by the desire of the mayor's office to include input from each industry in the implementation of this framework. Our Chicago Loop Ambassadors have been working diligently during this time using enhanced cleaning procedures to ensure State Street is safe and clean as people return. Chicago is a resilient city. Its people have proven this time and again throughout history, and I’m confident we will be stronger than ever on the other side.” – Michael Edwards, President and CEO, Chicago Loop Alliance

“Majani is looking to forward to reopening under the guidelines the City of Chicago has set forth. We will do all that is necessary to protect our staff and guests to keep everyone safe.” – Tsadakeeyah Ben Emmanuel, Owner and Chef, Majani Catering and Restaurant

“Navy Pier is committed to doing its part in ‘Protecting Chicago’ and reducing COVID-19 cases in our city by integrating these carefully thought-out safety measures and guidelines as we plan our phased approach to reopening and welcoming guests back to the Pier. These next few months will be critical in curbing the outbreak in Chicago and successfully restoring our businesses and our economy. We are proud to partner with the City and Mayor Lori Lightfoot on this science-guided process to ensure the health, safety and well-being of staff, partners, guests and the greater Chicago community.” — Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO, Navy Pier

“We cannot understate the adverse impact COVID-19 has had on Chicago’s businesses, their employees and the economy. In order to recover, we need a thoughtful reopening plan that takes into account what our businesses and their employees need to survive and thrive once more. We applaud the collaboration with Mayor Lightfoot and her team in listening to the challenges facing the business community. The Chamber looks forward to working together as part of the policy and economic stimulus committee in crafting a plan to get our economy moving again and get people back to work.” – Jack Lavin, President and CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

“The Chicago Architecture Center looks forward to working with our fellow museums and attractions on supporting ‘Protecting Chicago,’ and creating a comprehensive reopening plan to protect the safety of our employees, volunteers—and visitors. During this time of utmost consequence, we’re proud to work with Mayor Lightfoot and our peer institutions to return this great city and its residents to optimal health and functioning.” – Lynn Osmond, President and CEO, Chicago Architecture Center

“Working people must be prioritized and protected through all phases of reopening our economy. The CFL is encouraged to see the city take a science-based approach to reopening and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Mayor’s Office in this process. Though this pandemic has been an extremely difficult time for all of us, if we stay united in the goal of supporting our working families, Chicago will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.” – Bob Reiter, President, Chicago Federation of Labor

“We appreciate continuing the strong dialogue between the Mayor and the business community and look forward to working together with the City and State as we safely reopen and reenergize our economy.” – Kelly Welsh, President, Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago

“Over the past several months, Chicago hospitals and the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) have worked closely with Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health to protect the health of all Chicagoans. Hospitals and health systems are in a unique position to ensure a safe recovery and help the City and economy reopen. We look forward to working with the City on this endeavor and we greatly appreciate the Mayor’s strong leadership at this critical time.” – A.J. Wilhelmi, President and CEO, Illinois Health and Hospital Association

“Music venues will be among the last businesses to reopen, but we plan to lead the way in terms of public safety. The Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) is working in concert with the Mayor's Office, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), and the Music Policy Forum to develop a plan of action that covers every aspect of the live music industry so that we may keep our patrons, staff and performers safe and healthy, while making Chicago the international leader for safe spaces and best business practices.” – Chicago Independent Venue League

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