Menu. Illinois is on the path to rolling back its its COVID-19 mask mandate on February 28, Gov. The designation of Cook County being in the low level comes as Illinois and Chicago prepare to lift their respective mask mandates. One of Cook Countys top doctors says she doesnt expect the county to The district reinstated the mandate Friday. Cases have been on the rise statewide since mid-March, or a few weeks after Gov. A county in Californias Bay Area is reviving its mask mandate for most indoor public settings to limit the impact of a surge in COVID-19 cases (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) All residents of Cook County including those in Chicago now face a high risk of contracting COVID-19 and should wear a mask indoors, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Cook County, Illinois, the vaccine mandate lasted less than two months. Cook County and Chicago, the rule is different depending on the school your child attends. The changes have been made as Chicago and Illinois have seen COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths fall sharply in recent weeks. Critics of mask mandates, particularly for younger children, say its not necessary to require children to mask up because theyre less In Boston, even as COVID-19 cases began to tick up again, theres been little drive to reimpose the indoor mask mandate city officials largely lifted two months ago. Illinois health officials reported 36,843 new COVID-19 cases over the past week, along with 45 additional deaths, marking slight declines in August 22, 2021, 6:30 PM. Cook County's vaccine requirement is officially in effect. But Arwady said the city would follow Cook County if the county broke 200 cases per 100,000 first. Cook County is joining Chicago in reinstating an indoor mask mandate as COVID cases continue to rise amid the Delta variant. The order requires that all people above age 2 who can medically tolerate a mask to wear one in The clouds are parting over Cook County. This includes cities like Oakland, Hayward, and Fremont, OAK Airport, and AC Transit, but not the city of Berkeley which has a separate health department. Case rates are declining and the winters omicron surge is Cook County is at 259 cases per 100,000 residents, according to CDC data. Businesses also are required to post signs saying masks are required. Cook County's new proof-of-vaccination mandate seems to be something most affected businesses aren't ignoring altogether, but many City officials announced the same day that Chicagos mask and vaccine card mandates would end this Monday. Chicagos and Illinois mask mandates went into effect in August as the Delta surge drove up cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The entire Bay Area is experiencing high rates, but Alameda is the Even as mask mandates come to an end in Illinois, Chicago and Cook County, there will still be some requirements in place. If hospitals in Chicago remain in good control, CDPH wouldnt reinstate a mask mandate even as the region moved to High. Please find important information printed by the Cook County Advertiser. February 10, 2022, 4:48 PM. On the heels of school districts across the state lifting mask mandates and a remarkable drop in COVID-19 cases in Cook County, the I.S.D. In light of the Omicron variant and increasing COVID-19 numbers, Governor JB Pritzker says Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. February 22, 2022 01:29 PM. CDC plea for transit mask use renewed. CHICAGO - In light of the Omicron variant and increasing COVID-19 numbers, Governor JB Pritzker says Illinois mask mandate is staying in place for now. the same day the state is planning to ease indoor mask mandates, and that Cook County would match that date as Feb 9, 2022 we must remember that masks work to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The decision was made in consultation with Dr. Rachel Rubin, M.D., senior The entire Bay Area is experiencing high rates, but Alameda is the February 10, 2022. 2022. A pedestrian wearing a protective mask as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus walks in Philadelphia, Friday, April 22, 2022. CHICAGO - The city of Chicago has cited six businesses for failing to enforce the city's COVID-19 indoor mask mandate. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Health Director Dr. Alison Arwady Tuesday. On December 23, 2021, Cook County, Illinois, issued Public Health Order No. 2021-11, joining the City of Chicago in requiring certain indoor establishments (including restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, and entertainment venues) to verify the COVID-19 vaccination status of patrons five years of age and older, effective January 3, 2022. Released On 03/01/2022. Late Friday afternoon brought some big announcements about mask mandates from city, state, and national officials. Wearing a mask around others indoors helps protect Associated Press/April 1, 2022 Mask mandate to remain in effect in Circuit Court of Cook County facilities. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Dr. Allison Arwady discuss the city's decision to lift the indoor mask mandate and vaccine mandate for public places on Feb. 28. Feb 22, 2022. Since there is not a state statute that allows the county to enact a mask ordinance, the board chose to make this request to the governor.. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a similar mandate for Chicago on Tuesday, requiring that people age 5 and older must show proof of full vaccination. New York indoor school mask mandate to be lifted this week San Benito, Santa Clara and Sacramento counties are among the other jurisdictions where the CDC recommends people wear masks indoors. Cook County recently was moved to the medium-risk level for new cases as new cases and hospitalizations around Chicago are up 16 percent. The CDCs measurement of Cook County's hospitalization data for Community Levels reflects the burden on the whole federally defined Health Service Area, which includes Cook, Lake, DuPage, and McHenry Counties. On Tuesday, she announced she is dropping the city's mask mandate in public spaces except for schools. Wearing a mask around others indoors helps protect yourself and those around you, which is especially important for people effective Friday at 12:01 a.m. Chicago and Cook County may be planning to lift their indoor mask mandates at the same time the state does, but many people say they'll be keeping theirs on. Cook County Poised to Lift Mask Mandate as COVID Cases Decline August 22, 2021, 6:30 PM. (The Center Square) The city of Chicago will be lifting most COVID-19 mitigation mandates by the end of the month, but private businesses may still require masks and vaccine proof. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to note that there is a medium level of Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. Mayor Lori Lightfoot addresses the news media on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. Full Forecast; Site search Search. Chicago, Cook County to lift mask mandates and vaccine requirement Feb. 28. The clouds are parting over Cook County. Businesses also are required to post signs saying masks are required. In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, the executive order also lifts the mask requirement in K-12 schools and daycares. Wed Jan 19 07:08 AM 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 School Calendars. Masks recommended not mandated indoors, Chicago health officials say. Heather Cherone | May 26, 2022 6:43 pm. Share. Illinois health officials reported 36,843 new COVID-19 cases over the past week, along with 45 additional deaths, marking slight declines in Updated: May 20, 2022 @ 8:33 am. Illinois bracing for winter surge, Omicron variant. California: The office of Gov. Feb. 22, 2:42 p.m. CT. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pictured on Oct. 8. Cook County is joining Chicago in reinstating an indoor mask mandate as COVID cases continue to rise amid the Delta variant. The mandate applies to anyone over age 2. March 10, 2022. First, the CDC declared that most areas of the U.S. (Cook County among them) can ditch mandates, including in schools. Across the country, more governors are letting go of mask rules -- including in states that have long held on to school mask mandates. A woman opens her mouth for a swab sample during mass COVID-19 testing on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, in Beijing. Sangamon County Judge Raylene Grischow issued a temporary restraining order that put a halt on the states mask mandate in schools, as Contact: Rena Rogers. Cook County, which includes Chicago, may be moving from low risk to a The requirement to wear a mask when indoors in public ended early Monday, as did Chicagos mandate that people show proof of vaccination at restaurants, bars and other public spaces. Cook Co. indoor mask mandate takes effect Monday. Using the new metrics, Chicago is at low risk, as we knew it would be. In official CDC data, Cook County (combining Chicago and suburban Cook data) reported 324 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days--which was actually a slight decrease from last week, when it was 338. 6/1/2022 | What You Need to Know Today May 31, 2022. Chicago, Cook County To Lift Mask And Vaccine Mandates On Feb. 28, But Masks Will Remain For CPS; 'We're Seeing Ourselves On The Downward Slope Of This Omicron Surge'. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. The new mask mandate applies to anyone over the age of 2. Cook County Department of Public Health Plans for COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout to Youth Ages 5-to-11, Pending Federal Authorization COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT ON COVID MANDATES. Hours after Lightfoot announced the city was lifting its mask and proof of vaccination mandates effective Monday, the Cook County Department of Public Health announced it was doing the same. Two Republican justices said the state high court's Democratic majority had erred in passing on the chance to determine whether a Springfield judge had properly blocked Gov. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle also said Friday the county is implementing a mandatory vaccinaton policy for employees under her jurisdiction, with a deadline of Oct. 15 for workers to comply or provide a verifiable religious or medical exemption. On December 23, 2021, Cook County, Illinois, issued Public Health Order No. COOK COUNTY, MINNESOTA ~~~~~ May 26, 2022 (LSNews) Both Cook County Public Health and Grand Portage Health Services note that we are currently seeing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases locally, with 40 cases reported in the past seven days. RELATED: Expert says current California COVID surge will 'peak at the beginning of June' San Benito, Santa Clara and Sacramento counties are among the other jurisdictions where the CDC recommends people wear masks indoors. Share. Rogers read all the letters the county had received concerning a face mask mandate during the public comment period at Tuesdays board meeting. In suburban Cook County the number of hospitalizations dues to COVID-19 dropped from a seven-day average of 502 to 309 in the last 10 days. February 10, 2022, 4:48 PM. Masks work - mask mandates do not work at this stage in the pandemic -- according to some medical experts. Masking Guidance. Alameda County has restored its indoor mask mandate because of the increasing positivity and hospitalization rates. The vaccine requirement was issued on Dec. 23, 2021, and went into effect on Jan. 3. 2021. Chicago and Cook County may be planning to lift their indoor mask mandates at the same time the state does, but many people say they'll be keeping theirs on. effective Friday at 12:01 a.m. That means there is high community spread and high potential for CHICAGO Chicago, Cook County and most of northeastern Illinois is now at a high level of transmission. Indoor mask mandates are mostly going away in Illinois on Monday as COVID-19 numbers continue to improve. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday. A federal judge in Florida voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation saying it exceeded the authority of U.S. health officials. Aug. 21, 2021, at 3:32 p.m. CHICAGO (AP) Masks will be required indoors throughout Cook County beginning Monday, regardless of whether a person has been vaccinated. Cook Co. indoor mask mandate takes effect Monday. An average of 17 cases per 100,000 residents is emerging each day in Cook County, compared to 43 cases per 100,000 people nationally and 138 cases per 100,000 people in 2022 / 5:44 PM J.B. Pritzker lifted his indoor mask mandate. After what seemed like weeks of back-and-forth, Chicago COVID-19 mandates are being lifted in line with the state of Illinois. Mask Mandate Parent Letter. ChicagoMayorsOffice Facebook. Cook Countys order does not The state and city masks and vaccine mandates have been lifted. Mar 1, 2022. After what seemed like weeks of back-and-forth, Chicago COVID-19 mandates are being lifted in line with the state of Illinois. The goal is to get back under 200 cases per 100,000 residents per week. Masks would be urged for all residents in indoor public spaces in counties that rise to the high risk level. Read more news from Cook County Record. This includes cities like Oakland, Hayward, and Fremont, OAK Airport, and AC Transit, but not the city of Berkeley which has a separate health department. Chicago lifting mask, vax rules. The Cook County Department of Public Health today announced on Aug. 20 that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask indoors, beginning on Monday, Aug. 23. March 10, 2022. A county in Californias Bay Area is reviving its mask mandate for most indoor public settings to limit the impact of a surge in COVID-19 cases Cook County, Chicago mask mandate, proof of vaccine requirement to lift with state's; reaction mixed WLS 2/11/2022 Tornadoes confirmed in Kansas; 4 injured, significant damage reported The mandate that all persons using Circuit Court of Cook County facilities must wear face coverings will remain in place until further notice, said Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans. Fri Jan 14 11:47 AM Back to School Information. (Heather Cherone/WTTW News) Chicago will end its indoor mask mandate and will no longer require that restaurants, fitness centers and bars demand proof of vaccination from customers on Monday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said on Tuesday. Suburban Cook County plans on rescinding its indoor mask requirements if key COVID-19 metrics continue to improve throughout the month of February, according to health officials. JB Pritzker from enforcing his school mask, testing and exclusion rules Cook County Board of Education unanimously approved a mask mandate for all school buildings, including in classrooms through the end of the month. School districts across Illinois are re-evaluating their COVID-19-related mitigation plans after a downstate judge temporarily blocked CDC announced that the federal mask mandate for public transportation will be extended until May 3, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from California, Georgia, and Illinois. People wear masks while waiting in line at the Cook County clerk's office inside the County Building on Feb. 22, 2022, as the city announced it will Illinois In Cook County, Illinois, the vaccine mandate lasted less than two months. (The Center Square) Some municipalities in Cook County have decided they will not enforce the county's vaccine requirement for citizens to enter indoor businesses. In official CDC data, Cook County (combining Chicago and suburban Cook data) reported 324 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days--which was actually a slight decrease from last week, when it was 338. Courtesy of YouTube. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle also said Friday the county is implementing a mandatory vaccinaton policy for employees under her jurisdiction, with a deadline of Oct. 15 for workers to comply or provide a verifiable religious or medical exemption. But CPS held firm, saying it would maintain Since the beginning of the year, Chicago Mayor Lori Updated: July 16, 2020 04:50 PM The Cook County Board of Commissioners has sent a letter to Gov. Aug. 21, 2021, at 3:32 p.m. CHICAGO (AP) Masks will be required indoors throughout Cook County beginning Monday, regardless of whether a person has been vaccinated. The mandate applies to anyone over age 2. Alameda County has restored its indoor mask mandate because of the increasing positivity and hospitalization rates. In Chicago the number went from 427 to 293. Pritzker said he would continue the mask mandate in schools, but his authority to impose a mask mandate and require students and staff to quarantine is being considered by an appellate court, which may rule any day. The district reinstated the mandate Friday. Businesses also are required to post signs saying masks are required. While nearly all other court systems in Illinois have lifted mask mandates, people visiting Cook County courthouses will still be required to mask up, for the foreseeable future. The statewide mask mandate will end 12:01 a.m. Monday, the Governors Office confirmed Friday. A statewide mask mandate was lifted for schools at the end of February. The goal is to get back under 200 cases per 100,000 residents per week. On February 28, 2022, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2022-06 lifting the mask requirement in most indoor settings. Effective Monday, February 28, 2022, FitRec will no longer require proof of vaccination status in order to access the facility from the mandate that was passed back on Jan. 3, 2022. Cook County Department of Public Health Plans for COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout to Youth Ages 5-to-11, Pending Federal Authorization COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT ON COVID MANDATES. People visiting Illinois courthouses may no longer be required to wear masks beginning Feb. 28, under updated rules. ; Then, Governor J.B. Pritzker officially dropped the state's school mask mandate. In late May, the Sacramento City Unified School District told families to prepare for the possibility a mask mandate for students and staff would be reinstituted. A statewide mask mandate was lifted for schools at the end of February. Indoor mask mandates are mostly going away in Illinois on Monday as COVID-19 numbers continue to improve. Our January 2022 agreement with Chicago Public Schools, which guarantees masking, will keep schools open and safe. In Chicago and suburban Cook County the percentages of Intensive Care Unit beds that are available are 17% and 19%, respectively. 166 school board moved to suspend policy 808, the face masking policy, which required all students to wear masks in school and allowed the superintendent to decide whether the kids should wear masks.