The AEW debut of CM Punk could see some changes in the plans as Chicago has announced an indoor mask mandate for everyone over the age of two, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The rule will take effect on Friday, which will see the AEW Rampage: The First Dance, where Punk is slated to make his pro-wrestling return.
COVID-19 outbreak could cause changes for CM Punk AEW debut
The decision comes as the city surpasses 400 new COVID cases a day, which puts it in the CDC’s high-risk category for community transmission. See the latest pandemic figures for the city and state in the charts below.
The average number of new cases per day was 419 as of August. 12. That’s up 21 percent from the previous week. Hospitalizations and deaths—which are lagging indicators—were down 18 percent and 24 percent, respectively. Keith Lee ‘Removed’ From WWE Raw Again
“I want to be clear: That risk is especially for people who are unvaccinated,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said.
“As the vaccine has come into the picture, what we’ve seen is the other indicators we follow have stayed at that lower risk level.Our hospitalizations and deaths remain low, and that’s because the vaccine is available for adults.”
Chicago Business reported:
“Under the latest rules: Similar to previous mandates, masks can be removed in restaurants, bars and other establishments when patrons are actively eating and drinking. Masks can also be taken off for certain activities that require their removal, such as beard shaves or facials. And workers can remove masks in settings that are not open to the public—in office cubicles, for example—if employees are staying in place and keeping at least six feet from all other people.”
The mandate will remain in place as long as cases remain above 400 cases a day, Arwady said.
“Once we get through the delta surge, I anticipate that will come back down.”
The mandate applies at bars and restaurants; gyms; common areas of condos and multi-residential buildings; and private clubs. We will see how AEW works out the arrival of Punk in the promotion.
