Chicago City Wire

When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot closed the Lake Michigan lakefront last week, several people disagreed with her order.

Lightfoot ordered the closure because, she said, too many people were congregating along the lakefront at a time when Illinois was under a stay at home order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The governor issued the order March 21 and said it was effective through April 7. Despite that, the lakefront remained bustling, and on March 25, Lightfoot threatened to close the lakefront, Riverwalk and 606 Trail.

The next day, she did so, closing the lakefront including adjacent trails, green spaces and facilities. The order provided guidance on practicing social distancing during recreational activities, such as walking, running or cycling and prohibited contact sports, such as basketball and football.

“These measures are designed to protect the health and safety of residents amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19),” the order stated.

"While our parks and other green spaces offer residents a brief respite during this stay at home order, we simply must take action to prevent the large gatherings that are putting our public health at risk," Lightfoot said. “As we work tirelessly to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we need people to stay at home as much as possible. Our order to temporarily close access to the Lakefront and restrict gatherings has now become a necessary step in our effort to protect people, and to get our city through this crisis as quickly as possible.”

The mayor’s order was criticized on Twitter by Steve Cortes, a conservative political activist and radio talk show host.

“Finally a sunny spring day in Chicago, and Mayor Lightfoot closes our lakefront to walkers and runners? On what basis?" The tweet said "These activities respect social distancing — her action a pure power flex. She said 'outside is for brief respite, not 5k’s.' When did she become the mileage god?”

Cortes is the spokesman for America First PAC, the official re-election PAC of President Trump, and the host of “The Steve Cortes Show” on AM 560 in Chicago.

Cortes, who describes himself as “Voice of the Deplorables” as well as a happy warrior who is “born for a storm,” told Chicago City Wire why he disagrees with the mayor’s order.

“I was shocked to see Mayor Lightfoot even threaten to close our public lakefront,” Cortes said. “Telling people that they cannot walk a dog, or cycle, or run, on a public path is just an abuse of power. Her closure was not about public health — if anything it is anti-health — rather it was a pure power flex.

“The left, as shown by Lightfoot, seeks control above all. They want to control what we read, what we eat, how we worship — even where we can walk by ourselves!” he said. “The mayor, and those like her, use this crisis as a chance to flex their big-brother power beliefs.”

Cortes said although he doesn’t spend a lot of time on the lakefront, he still thinks it should remain open.

“I only walk there occasionally, but my children who are runners frequent the lakefront path,” he said.

Cortes said the lakefront can play an important role right now.

“Particularly in stressful times like this, people need outlets for recreation, fresh air, and exercise,” he said. “The massive lakefront trail is a perfect place for Chicagoans to take a break while maintaining safe distancing. If anything, the present situation elevates the need for such access and the mental and physical health benefits of such activity.”

Chicago interim police superintendent Charlie Beck said the closure would be vigorously enforced. People who violate the order face a fine up to $500 and possibly more severe sanctions.

Lightfoot said there are things people can do to get exercise, including:

Go for a short walk or run, but maintain physical distance from others while doing so, preferably in their own neighborhood.

Walk their dog, but do not congregate at the dog park or beach.

Shop at grocery stores that remain open — unless you are sick — and practice social distancing.

Continue visiting the restaurants that remain open for pickup and delivery.

Basically, the mayor said, people should remain home as much as possible.

Chicago’s Stay Home, Save Lives campaign offers information on staying healthy and reducing the spread of COVID-19. For more information and updates on COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, email coronavirus@chicago.gov or go to  Chicago.gov/coronavirus.