New, more infections variants of the coronavirus are also spreading rapidly, with the gamma variant in particular accounting for almost a third of the new cases statewide. Since June, Covid-19 infection rates in Illinois have grown rapidly, from a daily low of 102 reported new cases on June 18 to a high of 1,993 new cases on July 22. Losing that income for a second year in a row would be a financial disaster, especially in a city already cut to the bone by austerity measures. In 2018 alone, the festival generated more than $245 million in revenue, and it and other festivals' boost to Chicago's finances was accounted for in Lightfoot's 2021 city budget. The event is a massive source of income for the city, Cook County and the state.
Allison Arwady, commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, said her agency will monitor the Covid-19 situation at the festival throughout its run.Ī cynic might point out that the local and state governments have more to gain from a green-lit Lollapalooza than knowing they made festivalgoers' summer dreams come true. "We made the best decision that we could, as always, based upon the data and based upon our projections and modeling," she said.Īt the same press conference, Dr. Lightfoot, a fellow Democrat, was only slightly more reserved, saying at a Tuesday press conference that she didn't regret approving the festival in May.
Just a little distance, and if you’re vaccinated, it’s safe for you to attend something like this," Pritzker said. While the Democratic governor emphasized that the pandemic isn't over, he noted Lollapalooza is an outdoor festival. Pritzker have put their stamp of approval on the festival despite the increase in cases.Īt a Thursday press conference in which he endorsed the festival, Pritzker said he plans to go himself, along with his family and a few friends. Both Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Governor J.B. Parks are getting cleaned, cops are setting up drunk tanks and trains are crowded with suburban 20-somethings excited to be spending the week in downtown Windy City, some of whom paid up to $4,200 for a four-day platinum ticket package.īut is holding a huge music festival in the middle of a pandemic – while only about half the state is fully vaccinated, cases are rising and new variants are spreading – really safe?įor the state and the city, the answer is yes. Even a week out from the city's biggest annual music festival, you can feel it coming. CHICAGO (CN) - Lollapalooza kicks off next week, bringing a four-day party to Chicago.
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