City of Racine loosens COVID-19 restrictions as cases stay down, increase in vaccinations

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) – COVID-19 restrictions are being loosened in Racine.

Beginning Monday, Mar. 22, restaurants, gyms and religious spaces can operate at 75 percent capacity.

The modified Safer Racine Ordinance went into effect after city health leaders say there has been a steady decline in cases and an increase in vaccinations.

“It feels better to know that we are increasing capacity,” Rooster’s Restaurant owner Laura Ruiz said. “It means a lot because we can bring more people than before and I’m happy.”

The changes went into effect Monday at midnight. Under the ordinance, indoor gatherings of 75 percent capacity with no more than 200 people are allowed.

“[With] the steady decline and continued low number of cases that we have coming into the city and reported, we are confident that we can loosen the restrictions up to restaurants and other venues,” Racine City Public Health Dept. safety officer Stephan Kurdas said.

City leaders also met on Monday to talk about vaccine equity among communities of color.

“For communities of color, particularly those that are working class, and have jobs that you know don’t allow you to work remotely, and cannot socially distance the way that you can, the best defense we have going forward and the best chance we have to return to some level of normalcy is vaccinations,” District 3 Ald. John Tate II said.

On Tuesday, Mar. 23, a community-based vaccine clinic will open at the Regency Mall. It will be open Tuesday-Saturday. People interested must register to book an appointment.