Mayor Lori Lightfoot is expected to announce new vaccine mandates on certain businesses on Tuesday, including a possible requirement that restaurants check the vaccination status of patrons before they’re allowed in, sources told the Tribune.

       The move is an effort to slow COVID-19 as the Omicron variant of the virus sweeps across the country.

       Other cities, like New York, implemented similar vaccine mandates weeks or months ago but Lightfoot has resisted the idea. In September, for instance, she dismissed a letter from Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and other City Council members proposing such a mandate.

       LEFT to RIGHT: Elaine Miller, Mark Hill and Tarik Richards are seen at Metropolitan Brewing taproom, on North Rockwell Street in Chicago, on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. Metropolitan Brewing taproom requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and proof of identification from customers for entry, after which customers are not required wear a face mask. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

       Over the last few weeks, however, Lightfoot has said she is in discussions with local business interests to develop potential new rules against the virus. She appeared on MSNBC Monday evening and noted that the city was recording 300 new cases a day three weeks ago but that figure has spiked to more than 1,000 a day, necessitating new restrictions.

       “The time is now to act, and we will,” she said on MSNBC.

       This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

       gpratt@chicagotribune.com

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