The city's (non) voters are not a monolith but crowded races and low awareness could be keeping them home, voting organizers say. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Chicago officials announced they'll also lift the city's mask and vaccine card mandates at the end of February if local metrics decline. story Illinois parents of athletes sued to prevent school districts and state powers from mandating vaccinations for high school students. Chicago and Cook County have implemented vaccine mandates, requiring proof of vaccination to enter gyms, restaurants and other venues. After clinical trials with children were completed, kids as young as 5 years old can now get the life-saving vaccine. "I care about protecting other people. The Chicago Department of Public Health is tracking four primary community transmission and risk metrics: COVID-19 cases diagnosed per day, test positivity, hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients and ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. As of Tuesday evening, Chicago was reporting an average of 561 new confirmed cases per day. The Chicago Transit Authority reminded travelers Saturday that masks are still required on public buses and trains, as well as within the station. Chicagos positivity rate was at 2.9 percent, down from 4.4 percent a week ago. With a new COVID-19 vaccine requirement beginning next year throughout Chicago, city officials provided several ways to provide proof of vaccination to indoor public spaces. When Gov. Previously, the United Center had required proof of vaccination (and did not accept a negative test) for entry, and required all event-goers to wear masks. Navy Pier is offering free rides on the Centennial Wheel to celebrate the lifting of the mask mandate. As we continue to move toward living with this virus, my administration will relax some requirements while continuing to protect the most vulnerable and ensuring we can get every federal dollar our residents are eligible to receive, Pritzker said Wednesday in a statement. The city's vaccine mandate for bar and restaurant patrons could be rescinded "quite soon" if COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations keep falling as drastically as they have over the past two . Local school authorities shall monitor immunization schedules to assure their completion. Email Newsroom@BlockClubChi.org. Large companies across Illinois are now grappling with new federal regulations from the Biden administration that will require mandatory COVID vaccination or testing starting Jan. 4, 2022. Patrons, however, will not have the option of providing a negative test result and must instead be fully vaccinated while indoors, according to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's latest announcement. Greg Bishop reports on Illinois government and other issues for The Center Square. 802 South 2nd Street | Springfield, IL 62704 The Illinois Department of Labor had issued an emergency rule Friday, the day justices on the nations highest court heard oral arguments on the case, that impacted larger public sector employers in Illinois. In a statement issued by the governors office, A.J. "A lot of people are hoping this is over and I'm here to tell you it's not," said Jesu Estrada, People's Response Network to COVID-19. [Colleges, students respond to end of Gov. The Noble Network of Charter Schools, which serves close to 13,000 students in 18 schools across the city, is among them. Any child five years of age (60 months of age) or older shall not be required to provide proof of immunization with Hib vaccine. For the majority of the pandemic, politicians have pointed to the number of COVID cases as the most important metric for decision-making. Statutory Authority: Nursing Home Care Act [210 ILCS 45] The following rules have an effective date of July 15, 2022 and remain in place for a maximum of 150 days: Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 295 Statutory Authority: Implementing and authorized by the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act [210 ILCS 9] Restaurants, gyms, and "indoor entertainment venues" were required to come up with a plan to . It also started requiring residents to show proof of vaccination at restaurants, bars and other venues in early January in response to the Omicron surge. Any child five years of age (60 months of age) or older shall not be required to provide proof of immunization with PCV vaccine. Starting school year 2017-2018 any child entering Kindergarten shall show proof of 4 dose series with the last dose on or after the 4th birthday. Proof of immunization that complies with ACIP recommendations for PCV. As of Monday's metrics, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 6,294 people were hospitalized with coronavirus. Federal buildings in areas of high of substantial risk of transmission. But is one performing better than the other? Some parent groups are urging CPS to keep the masks on until more CPS students are vaccinated and to protect kids with health risks. Children 24 to 59 months of age without primary series of PCV, shall show proof of receiving one dose of PCV after 24 months of age. Minimum interval between series doses: 4 weeks (28 days). J.B. Pritzkers COVID vaccine mandate], Gov. Gov. Countywide, the Cook County Department of Public Health reports an average of 632 new daily cases, down from 1,007 the week prior. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The state of Illinois along with Chicago officially lifted their indoor mask mandates, with the city also ending its proof of vaccination requirement. But for those who will be ditching their masks, health officials offered this advice. The mandate has remained in effect even as other states pulled back their restrictions and Illinois became one of the few states left in the nation to still mandate masks in public. For more information or a list of printed promotional material from the state, please contact the Immunization Section. The ruling upholding Mayor Lori Lightfoots vaccination mandate for city workers, except police, sets a precedent ahead of arbitration between the city and more than 20 Chicago labor unions. Updates are expected at the IDOL website. Emergency medical services workers who arent fully vaccinated will also be able to avoid routine testing under the new rules. Two doses by 1 year of age. As of Tuesday, every state or territory except for Guam, Louisiana, South Carolina, and the Virgin Islands are on the Travel Advisory. The state could keep the mask mandate in place if things change, like if there is a variant that drives up hospitalizations, officials said. Got a story tip? Review the CDC vaccination schedules for infants and children, preteens and teens, and adults found under Resources. Proof of prior or current infection, if verified by laboratory evidence, may be substituted for proof of vaccination. Every dime we make fundsreportingfrom Chicagos neighborhoods. City data shows more than 1.8 million Chicagoans or 67.6 percent of all residents are fully vaccinated, and 75.6 percent of all Chicagoans have gotten at least one shot. Listen to Its All Good: A Block Club Chicago Podcast here: The bar will host a flip cup tournament, trivia nights and, of course, a St. Patrick's Day bash. February 10, 2022 Chicago and Cook County health officials announced plans to revoke pandemic masking and vaccination entry requirements by Feb. 28, the day Illinois' statewide mask mandate. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy The contest will be rescheduled at a later date. A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is a critical component of the U.S. strategy to reduce COVID-19-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Before classes wrapped for 2021 last week, CPS was seeing its highest case rates of the year in a post-Thanksgiving wave. 802 South 2nd Street | Springfield, IL 62704 What diseases do vaccines prevent? The happy faces will also be displayed on the hub of the wheel this month. Illinois adopts OSHA's employer vaccine mandate Andrew Carrigan Jan 11, 2022 Updated Jan 11, 2022 0 SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WREX) New rules filed by the Illinois Department of Labor adopt. There are some exemptions, however, city officials noted. But the CDC said it is not a side effect to worry about. ". This updated guidance supersedes all prior COVID-19 school . The Illinois State Board of Education might remove that option depending on whether it follows Gov. Federal health officials this week unveiled a strategy for attempting to manage the highly transmissible omicron subvariants that now make up the majority of cases nationally and doctors have urged a renewed sense of vigilance. Executive Order 2021-28 (Day care vaccination and testing requirements): At that point, IL OSHA could determine whether it wants to develop its own rule, which would be subject to the normal rule-making process, a spokesperson for IDOL said Monday. With the city of Chicago averaging more than 1,700 new cases of coronavirus a day, health officials are imposing new proof-of-vaccination requirements, and business owners are preparing for the rules to take effect in the new year. At the Cheetah Gym in Andersonville, the sign is up and the choice is up to customers when it comes to masking. J.B. Pritzker will lift his indoor mask mandate for most public places on Feb. 28 if the state's largest coronavirus surge continues to subside, a move that comes as Democratic . Now all city employees, including police officers, must be vaccinated. The Chicago Department of Public Health reported 532 new daily cases on Feb. 10, down 46% from the previous week. Thursday, a spokesperson for IDOL said "Because IL OSHAsperemptory rule incorporates the federal standard, IL OSHA will similarly stay enforcement of its rule while it monitors federal litigation and determines next steps. Have you experienced a swollen lymph node in the arm where you received your COVID vaccine or booster shot? To learn more, seeFall 2022 School Immunization Requirements. Chicago will start the new year with some added restrictions as a vaccine mandate for certain indoor spaces is set to begin next month. Mayor Lori Lightfoots new mandate will require Chicagoans ages 5 and older to prove they received a COVID-19 vaccination and to show a photo ID before entering restaurants, bars and gyms starting Jan. 3. Illinois Covid-19 vaccines will be part of recommended immunization schedules in 2023 for both children and adults, after a unanimous vote by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's. Proof of prior mumps disease shall be verified with date of illness signed by a physician or laboratory evidence of mumps immunity. The United Center is also keeping a requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Broadway in Chicago as well as Symphony Center and the Lyric Opera will continue to require masks, and proof of vaccination for audience members. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pledged unvaccinated city employees will soon be placed on no-pay status and face potential termination for failing to comply with her COVID-19 ultimatum. But the governor said that mandate could also be done away with within weeks. Starting in 2022, Chicagoans will have to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to get into indoor public places, and Apple has an easy way to access the record on the iPhone. Minimum intervals between doses: Between 1st and 2nd doses must be at least 4 weeks. "Our special education students deserve to feel safe in school not to be constantly pushed aside for the sake of normalcy or for the sake of comfort," said parent Leigh Mabry White. Block Club Chicagos coronavirus coverage is free for all readers. Pritzker has warned Illinoisans to keep masks handy. All rights reserved, Illinois Secretary of State's Office Offers REAL IDs at World of Wheels This Weekend, Hundreds Attend Prayer Vigil for Slain Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its masking guidance Friday, New Ranking Names Most Expensive Cities In Illinois and These Chicago Suburbs Top the List, Body of Missing Genoa Man Recovered From River: Authorities, These Starved Rock Tiny Cabins Are Perfect For a Weekend Getaway, Buc-ee's, a Texas-Based Convenience Store Chain, Proposes First Wisconsin Location. Illinois health care workers who were fired or otherwise impacted by their hospitals' COVID-19 vaccine mandate will receive a $10 million settlement after filing a lawsuit challenging the rule . The move affects restaurants, bars, gyms and stores. Kelly Bauer 8:24 AM CST on Feb 9, 2022 Most students likely have already received the vaccine and simply need to provide the school with verifying documentation from their healthcare provider. Chicago officials announced theyll also lift the citys mask and vaccine card requirements at the end of February if local metrics decline. date of illness signed by a physician; or, a health care provider's interpretation that a parent's or legal guardian's description of varicella disease history is indicative of past infection; or, laboratory evidence of varicella immunity, For Men ACWY vaccines may be administered simultaneously with Men B vaccines if indicated, but at a different anatomic site, if feasible. "We are still living in a pandemic.". Clickhereto support Block Clubwith atax-deductible donation. Central Illinois reacts to U.S. Supreme Court striking down Biden's vaccine mandate on large businesses by: Austin Schick Posted: Jan 14, 2022 / 07:29 PM CST Here's a look at the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. JB Pritzker at Navy Pier Monday. As of Monday, Chicagoans will no longer be required to show proof of coronavirus vaccination in most indoor spaces, although there are some exceptions. I would like very much for it to be removed as soon as humanly possible, but the truth is that we need to follow the advice of doctors, epidemiologists, who understand this well, Pritzker said. J.B. Pritzkers COVID vaccine mandate, Merrillville food and beverage tax edging closer to reality, Remains found in Rockdale more than 25 years ago identified as Aurora woman, How the Chicago Cubs are handling the spring workloads for pitchers Brandon Hughes and Keegan Thompson, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. But first, you have to flash that smile that's been hidden under your mask for so long. 26,034,756 Doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Illinois, representing 76.1% of Illinoisans receiving two vaccine doses or the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine. Weve used masks less when spread is diminished and hospitals have enough bandwidth, Pritzker said at a news conference. Four or more doses of DTP/DTaP with the last dose being a booster and received on or after the 4th birthday. Now, Pritzker said hes watching hospitalizations. Children 24-59 months of age without series shall show proof of one dose of Hib vaccine at 15 months or older. "Hospitalizations are way down, cases are way down, and we hope that we can sustain that for the spring and summer and, frankly, forever more," said Gov. Executive & Administrative Orders. Gov. Some venues said they will keep their requirements for now. Illinois, Cook County and Chicago mask mandates and other COVID regulations before restrictions will be widely lifted Monday. With coronavirus cases on the rise and people looking to travel for the holidays, COVID testing centers are reporting long lines and wait times in the lead-up to Christmas. CHICAGO Chicago is not on track to end its mask mandate Feb. 28, when the statewide mandate is set to end but the city might lift the requirement then, anyway. There have been at least 7,088 deaths from COVID-19 in Chicago. Public transportation, including buses, trains and airplanes. Before the ruling, IDOL said in a statement earlier this week if the high court struck down the mandate, Illinois rule would be withdrawn. The state agency's website said the final rules are not open to. About 91% of CPS staff members are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the district said, along with more than 54% of the eligible student population. Clickhereto support Block Clubwith atax-deductible donation. Most indoor places are . J.B. Pritzker's COVID vaccine mandate. Hospitalizations and deaths have also decreased by nearly half during that time. How long are you contagious, what are the quarantine guidelines and when can you see people again? In addition, students entering, transferring, or advancing into kindergarten, 6th, or 9th grades are required to show proof of receipt of 2 doses of varicella vaccine. Once mask mandates are lifted throughout Illinois and Chicago on Monday, face coverings will no longer be required in many places . Two doses of varicella for students entering all grades. March 10, 2022. (The Center Square) - After the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday against the Biden administration's vaccine or testing mandate on employers of more than 100 employees, it's expected the Illinois Department of Labor's COVID-19 vaccine or testing mandate will be withdrawn. This includes directly interviewing sources and research / analysis of primary source documents. Chicago, Cook County to lift mask mandates and vaccine requirement Feb. 28, lift the citys proof of vaccination requirement. The Pritzker administration billed the changes, which come amid the governors bid for a second term, as part of its plan to carefully unwind his COVID-19 mandates, which have been in effect for more than two years. "When we walk into a situation, we will check to see what the environment is and then decide to take them off or keep them on," said Ruth McDuffie-Marks. Starting in 2022, Chicagoans will have to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to get into indoor public places, and Apple has an easy way to access the record on the iPhone. "We're sitting next to strangers that we don't know, so it is the safest thing," said theatergoer Kevin Parliament. This content has been removed, and is no longer available. Beginning in early January, all patrons at restaurants, gyms or entertainment venues where food is served will be required to show a proof of COVID vaccination, or of a negative COVID test withinseven days of their entry into the building. Three or more doses of polio vaccine with the last dose on or after the 4th birthday. J.B. Pritzker last August previously issued a vaccine mandate for public sector employees, including teachers, under an emergency order. When the city makes this transition, many Chicagoans may continue to wear masks in public spaces for a variety of reasons, even if they are vaccinated or as mandates and advisories fade, according to the health department. Coronavirus is causing cancellations of performances and shows across the country, and several high-profile events were postponed on Tuesday night in Chicago, with a performance of Frozen and a Barry Manilow Christmas concert both getting the axe as a result of positive cases among the cast and crew of the shows. IDPH has resources available below for Masking guidance and Vaccination Requirements guidance. On that day, the state reported 4,041 COVID-19 cases and 60 more Illinoisans dead from the virus. I think there is an element of concern, he said. Beginning Jan. 3, anyone age 5 and older will be required to show proof of full vaccination to dine inside or visit gyms or entertainment venues where food and drinks are being served. statewide school requirement null and void., the citys mask mandate could be removed soon. The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. "I would still recommend that if you are in indoor spaces, especially those that are crowded, that you put on a mask," said Dr. Rachel Rubin, Cook County Department of Health. Two doses of varicella; The first dose must have been on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose no less than 4 weeks (28) days later. comeback According to the federal guidelines, employers must require their workers to show proof of vaccination or wear a mask and submit to testing to enter the workplace. Businesses, cities, counties and other entities can still enforce their own mask mandates. Illinois and Chicago have administered at least 20,775,048 vaccine doses of the 23,348,645 provided to them. St. Charles, which is in Kane and DuPage counties, does not fall under the purview of these mandates, but has pre-emptively opposed such a rule. We are on track to come out on the other side of this latest COVID storm in better shape than even the doctors expected, Pritzker said at a news conference Feb. 9. As of Tuesday night, 449 people with COVID-19 were in the ICU and 243 people with COVID-19 were using ventilators in Illinois. They have used the restrictions to try to undercut Pritzkers reelection bid versus the GOP nominee for governor, state Sen. Darren Bailey of Xenia. Chicago will soon implement a vaccine mandate for certain indoor spaces in the city, but for some, the rule won't necessarily apply. Private and charter schools are also choosing to keep masks mandatory. You now need proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a photo ID to get in most places. Third dose must have been administered on or after 6 months of age (168 days). It helps to have everyone mask, Dr. Emily Landon, an infectious disease doctor at University of Chicago Medicine, said at the news conference. The same vaccination and testing requirements that have been in place since last year for elementary and secondary schools, as well as day care centers, will remain in effect. Pritzker announced last week he would lift his indoor mask mandate for most public settings by Feb. 28, the Chicago Department of Public Health released a statement signaling its intention to follow the state's lead on that day unless the metrics take a sharp turn for the worse. January 10, 2022 08:00 AM Effective immediately, new rules filed by the Illinois Department of Labor on Friday adopt federal vaccine and testing mandates on employers of more than 100. Immunizations, also known as vaccines are one of our greatest defenses against many serious illnesses. Published March 1, 2022 Updated on March 1, 2022 at 12:54 pm. Students entering 6th thru 12th grade, three doses of hepatitis B vaccine administered at appropriate intervals. Here's what you should know as the mandates are removed. Block Club Chicago is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, nonpartisan and essential coverage of Chicagos diverse neighborhoods. J.B. Pritzker sits down for an interview at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Chicago on June 29, 2022. starts here. Chicago and Cook County have implemented vaccine mandates, requiring proof of vaccination to enter gyms, restaurants and other venues. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune). Under the previous rules, all such employees had to be tested weekly regardless of where the facility was located. I teach at Northwestern and have a higher exposure risk," said Justin Mann. Three doses of DTP or DTaP by 1 year of age. The governor cautioned Illinoisans keep masks handy to comply with these lingering mandates and others set forth by local jurisdictions and businesses. J.B. Pritzker sits down for an interview at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Chicago on June 29, 2022. J.B. Pritzkers mandate or a high court decision. Chicago's top doctor said that while we are still learning about the variant and research continues to develop, an early look at the latest data has led to some findings so far. Please be kind and conscientious of your fellow Chicagoans and the decisions they make to protect themselves.. Madden said what Noble has done is make decisions based on the latest information, healthcare providers, experts and families. Illinois state law requires certain immunizations for children and adults enrolled in child care, school, or college. Recommend reviewing these records and if necessary, have student be brought up to date with hepatitis B series. comeback Over the past week, the state of Illinois has been averaging more than 185,000 COVID tests per day, an all-time high in the face of a surge in cases likely caused by the omicron variant in the United States. Everyone knows COVID will still be around when the new school year starts, but were not sure how prevalent these new variants are because people are not testing as much, and many people have moved on, Burkey said. J.B. Pritzker is ending Illinois COVID-19 vaccine mandate for college students and faculty and easing some testing requirements for unvaccinated health care workers, changes that come despite growing concerns about new coronavirus variants that appear more able to evade immunity. The governors office said the requirement will remain for schools and day cares because children in those age groups have much lower rates of vaccination than the general public and have less ability to consistently and safely mask., Medical assistant Juanita Hall administers a booster injection to Dave Jordan at Harlan High School in Chicago on May 11, 2022. 4th dose at least 6 months after previous dose. Landon said unmasked classrooms and counties without school mask mandates have been more likely to go remote or suspend classes than districts where students do wear masks. The moves go against recommendations from the leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Long-term care facilities when in communal areas. The state of Illinois along with Chicago officially lifted their indoor mask mandates, with the city also ending its proof of vaccination requirement. IDPH has resources available below for Masking guidance and Vaccination Requirements guidance. The citys mandate was also put into effect in August as the city was seeing an average of more than 400 new confirmed cases per day. Within the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, vaccine doses given up to four days before minimum interval or age can be counted as valid. Colleges, students respond to end of Gov. J.B. Pritzker is ending Illinois' COVID-19 vaccine mandate for college students and faculty and easing some testing requirements for unvaccinated health care workers, changes that come. Brendan McNeill, owner of D4 Irish Pub and Caf, says that the new rules, while understandable, are going to pose a challenge to businesses that are already struggling with adequate staffing. Three doses for any child 24 months of age or older appropriately spaced. The lawsuit argues such an order would be arbitrary and violate students rights. But as we saw, things started to rise and it was good thing that people in Illinois were maybe ahead of others to say, time to put masks back on so yeah, there may come a time in the future when we need to do that.. The previous record for hospitalizations was set in November 2020, when . Between 1st and 3rd must be at least 16 weeks. 300 S. Riverside Plaza | 1650 | Chicago, IL 60606 The president of Harper College in Palatine said she supported the governors new rules. It was literally something you had to put in place so that local government could prepare, Gov. What should you do if you or someone you have been in close contact with tests positive for coronavirus? Students attending ungraded school programs must comply in accordance with grade equivalent. If there is an indication for earlier vaccination (between ages 10 and 11) then the provider submits, a letter/statement stating the reasons and provides that with the vaccine records (Section 665.280). Since we dont know what new variants may come our way, when and where theyll show up, how our existing natural and/or vaccine-induced immunity may or may not protect us we could be playing with fire since we are flying blind with respect to being able to quickly understand the on-the-ground situation., Pritzkers decision to leave the vaccination requirement in place for employees in K-12 schools was praised by the leaders of the states largest school district and its two largest teachers unions. (see doses under minimum interval). In a Facebook post Wednesday, DeVore claimed some credit for Pritzkers changes. Hospital admissions mirror this decline through the end of January. "I feel naked but it feels good," said gym member Jackie Rasmussen. They include Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Texas. And they said the mask mandate could return in the future. While 99.9% of the COVID cases are of delta variant as of now, she predicted that the omicron variant will soon spread quickly based on the studies from other countries. Thanks for subscribing to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. On Saturday the state set a single day record for COVID tests, with more than a quarter of a million performed in just one day. Apple's new iOS 15.1 operating system allows users to add "verifiable" COVID vaccination information in the Wallet app, making it easier to provide proof of vaccination as opposed to carrying a physical card. story Please refer to the Resources, Forms, and Publications sections for important information that ensures that the immunization needs of patients throughout the State of Illinois are met. Pritzker said the indoor mask mandate will remain in effect at these venues throughout the city, county and state.