US: Chicago issues new restrictions amid COVID surge

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a 10-person limit on social gatherings in the nation's third-largest city Thursday, fresh restrictions aimed at fighting a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Lightfoot implored Chicagoans to cancel the normal Thanksgiving plans, saying the skyrocketing cases show no signs of slowing and urgent steps are needed immediately.

The limitations on gatherings take effect Monday and are part of a stay-at-home advisory urging residents to venture out only for essential things, like going to work or grocery shopping.

Chicago is already under an order barring indoor restaurant dining.

"If we continue on the path we're on, and you and me and others don't step up and do more, our estimates are that we could see 1,000 more Chicagoans die from this virus by the end of the year," Lightfoot said at a news conference.

A month ago, Chicago was reporting 500 daily cases on average. Now, Chicago is averaging roughly 1,900 daily cases. In the same time period, the rate of positive tests has nearly tripled to 14%.