States lift restrictions gradually amid fears of new variant Several states are loosening their coronavirus restrictions on restaurants and other businesses because of improved infection and hospitalization numbers but are moving cautiously, in part because of the more contagious variant taking holdLANSING, Mich. -- States are loosening their coronavirus restrictions on restaurants and other businesses because of improved infection and hospitalization numbers but are moving gradually and cautiously, in part because of the more contagious variant taking hold in the U.S. Gretchen Whitmer said bars and restaurants can welcome indoor customers next week for the first time in 2 1/2 months. Chicago and surrounding suburbs allowed indoor dining over the weekend for the first time since October. Indoor dining is still banned in the hardest-hit counties. Rick Bayless, one of the most decorated chefs in the U.S., said allowing indoor dining at his Mexican restaurants in Chicago may buy him some time.

Source: ABC News January 27, 2021 15:21 UTC