Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen issued an amendment to Emergency Order 20-25 on Friday that extends indoor dining and bar restrictions at campus-area businesses until 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 16. 

The order follows Chancellor Robert Jones’ message to students earlier in the week that University students should avoid in-person activities except for essential activities like taking twice-weekly COVID-19 tests, attending class, buying groceries and food, going to work, engaging in individual outdoor activity, attending religious services and seeking medical attention, for two weeks starting last Wednesday. 

“After consulting with public health and University officials about the higher than expected positivity rate of COVID-19 on campus, it was determined that continued restrictions on bars and restaurants in Campustown are necessary to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to give the University a fighting chance to remain open for the semester,” Feinen said in the news release. 

Feinen’s order disallows indoor dining in all Campustown bars and restaurants, though it permits outdoor service. Under the order, Campustown is the area enclosed by St. Mary’s Road on the south, Wright Street on the east, the Canadian National railroad on the west and East Healey Street and East Springfield Avenue on the north.

The restrictions on indoor dining were first issued Aug. 18 in response to students moving in, and were scheduled to end after Labor Day.

The penalty for violating these orders can lead to a fine of up to $750 per violation per day. 

“We all have a role to play in keeping our community healthy and our businesses open,” Feinen said. “To that end, students, residents and visitors should continue to practice good social distancing, wear a face covering when around others and avoid parties and gatherings.”

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