Look, I get it. Aside from the usual Seasonal Affective Disorder challenges, there are plenty of other reasons for Chicagoans to be bummed about the coming of winter in the time of the coronavirus.
We should also spare a thought for struggling Chicago hospitality employees and business owners. In a more civilized country like New Zealand, they’d be paid a fair stipend to close their establishments during the crisis.
As for activities, I ran the following ideas by Dr. Richard Novak, head of the division of infectious diseases at UIC, to make sure they’re reasonably corona-kosher.
Novak cautioned me about these kinds of shelters, “Airflow is important: the more enclosed a space, the greater the risk.” So if the idea of dining or drinking in a transparent igloo or yurt appeals to you, it’s best to do it with household members only. Moreover, for worker safety, employees should avoid entering these structures while customers are present if possible, or at least everyone should be wearing masks when they do.
Taking an outdoor stroll around the free Lincoln Park Zoo is another great COVID-safe option. Currently reservations are required. And I’ll probably head to the Osaka Japanese Garden in Jackson Park this winter to check out Yoko Ono’s 2016 installation“Sky Landing.” The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park and the Morton Arboretum, populated by giant wooden troll sculptures (reservations required), also spring to mind as fun winter walking destinations.
