Public health doctors, Chicago mayor to throw first pitch in Cubs opener

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) on Thursday will be joined by two Illinois public health officials as they take the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch in the Cubs opener at Wrigley Field, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The mayor’s office told the newspaper that Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezkie will be honored by the city for their efforts in fighting the coronavirus.

Arwady and Ezkie become well-known figures in the state for their news conferences during the pandemic. 

Lightfoot also threw out a ceremonial pitch in 2019. 

A limited number of fans will be in attendance during the opener, as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations have risen in the state. 

City officials are already urging fans to follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks, as the 18-39 age group specifically has seen a significant rise in cases, the mayor has said. 

Lightfoot also announced this week that a part of Wrigley Field would be transformed into a mass vaccination site.