newsletter, Fulton Market Meets California Wine Country For Lettuce Entertain Yous Latest, Oakville Grill & Cellar will feature 750 different wines, Boka Goes Family-Friendly Inside Lakeviews Former Speakeasy and Brothel, GGs Chicken Shop and Itoko give the Southport Corridor casual options inside a storied 120-year-old building, This Historic Chicago Sausage Stand Made the Maxwell Street Polish a Local Icon, Jims Original has served the city for more than eight decades, Alineas Top Bartenders Departure and Four More Shuffles, A running log of key moves within Chicagos hospitality industry, These top pizzerias wont show up on national TV stock footage of Chicago, Sign up for the Chicagos mask and vaccination requirements will end on Monday, February 28, the same day the state mask mandate is lifted, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced yesterday. "February 28 is obviously the date that the state set; it's not the date that the city set.". Columbia University will end its COVID-19 vaccine requirement as the national public health emergency expires this spring. Illinois statewide mask mandate is set to end Feb. 28. Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices up to 70% amid pressure to slash costs, Jurors to visit Murdaugh crime scene ahead of closing arguments, $1M winning Powerball ticket sold in Chicago. ], Lightfoot said she will not hesitate to impose new rules and mandates to protect public health in the future but said her goal is to never shut down our economy again.. JB Pritzker . COVID Illinois: City of Chicago vaccine mandate, face mask requirements may not end Feb. 28, date Gov. Lightfoot, Johnson and five other candidates are Black, though Lightfoot argued she was the only Black candidate who could win. City to Remove Mask and Vaccine Requirements for Certain Public Settings on February 28 in Response to Continued Improvement in COVID-19 Metrics February 22, 2022 Rapid decrease in key metrics allow for easing of mitigation measures Mayor's Press Office press@cityofchicago.org Bowling Green, OH 43402 CHICAGO Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., announced today that the City will remove the mask and vaccine requirements for certain public spaces on February 28 to align with the State of Illinois previously announced plans to lift the statewide indoor mask mandate on that day. "Open it up now. After Pritzker announced the state's mask mandate would end Monday, Lightfoot said Chicago would only follow suit two weeks after three of the four metrics health officials use to assess the risk of COVID-19 transmission hit a "lower rate." Two weeks is a full incubation period for COVID-19, according to federal health officials. When defining vaccination, the city and county are following the lead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: two weeks past a second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two. Every dime we make fundsreportingfrom Chicagos neighborhoods. We look forward to the day when we can be mask-optional at CPS, but we still need to get more students vaccinated across our District, and we still need to work with our public health and labor partners on the best way to preserve a safe in-person learning environment for all., The CTU said in a statement it was glad that CPS will continueto honor the safety agreement that our members sacrificed four days of pay [for] last month despite a right-wing legal attack to remove public health protections.. In those areas, masks are no longer necessary, according to the agency. All Rights Reserved. Chicago's top doctor 'hopeful' COVID-19 vaccine mandate for restaurants and public venues will end by spring By Alice Yin and Dan Petrella Chicago Tribune Jan 20, 2022 at 2:14 pm Expand. "We are now seeing the fastest rate of decline in our COVID-19 hospitalization metrics since the pandemic began," Pritzker said. In September, for instance, she dismissed a proposal for such a mandate from Ald. Arwady does expect a slight increase in cases after the mandates lift, but she thinks the city should be able to handle it. But she also has made a point of emphasizing her desire to keep the city as open as possible. But if it's the difference of just a few days, I don't think it's worth the potential confusion to the public. The move comes amid improving COVID-19 metrics. Also, some venues may continue to impose their own mitigation efforts to keep their clients and customers safe. Associated Press writers Claire Savage and Teresa Crawford in Chicago contributed to this report. Here are the states goals for ending the mandate and where Chicago stands with each: Cases: Chicago must report an average of 199 cases or fewer per day. Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., announced today that the City will remove the mask and vaccine requirements for certain public spaces on February 28 to align with the State of Illinois previously announced plans to lift the statewide indoor mask mandate on that day. Well, if you didnt know, now you know, Johnson said. More than half of CPS students 12 and older are fully vaccinated, but for students ages 5 to 11, less than one-third have received at least one vaccine dose. The vaccination requirement that went into effect at Chicago bars and restaurants on January 3 and has caused controversy in some communities since then will be lifted as soon as the citys COVID-19 spread decreases substantially, possibly by spring, Dr. Allison Arwady, the citys public health commissioner, said at a question-and-answer session last week. As of Monday, Chicagoans will no longer be required to show proof of. Lightfoot blasted him for welcoming support from the police unions controversial leader, who defended the Jan. 6 insurrectionists at the Capitol and equated Lightfoots vaccine mandate for city workers to the Holocaust. I dont want to put myself at risk. As Illinois aims to lift its mask mandate by Feb. 28, Lori Lightfoot said the city is not there yet in regard to eliminating mask and vaccine card requirements, This Map Shows Exactly How the City of Chicago Voted for Mayor in the 2023 Election, Report: Jalen Carter Arrest Warrant Issued for Racing Car, Election Results: See How All 50 Wards Voted in Chicago's Aldermanic Elections, Who Did Your Ward Vote For? That is their right. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago health officials said they anticipate that the city's proof of vaccine requirement and indoor mask mandate will lift around the same time as the state's. Gov. "I think next week when we stand up, and we look at where things are, we'll be able to give a more definitive answer. What to Know About the Cook County Commissioner After Advancing to the Runoff Election. Lightfoots loss is unusual for mayors in large cities, who have tended to win reelection with relative ease. Vallas opponents have criticized him as too conservative to lead the Democratic stronghold. Rita DiPietro, who lives downtown, said she supported Lightfoot in 2019. Based on key data, it looks as if the worst of the Omicron surge is behind us and we will be able to safely remove these emergency measures instituted to protect the health and safety of our residents, said Mayor Lightfoot. While Chicago lifted its mask mandate Monday, is the proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirement removed now, as well? In Chicago, 24 deaths were reported since Monday. Arwady: Our cases remain in high transmission, but we're getting very close to substantial territory. Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia welcomed the mayors decision to lift the mandates, keeping to the same statewide date set by Pritzker. When you get a party of five or six that comes in, three or four might have the vaccine and a couple dont. READ MORE: Pritzker to lift Illinois mask mandate for some. J.B. Pritzker was optimistically predicting an end to the statewide mask mandate by Thanksgiving. He knows how hes going to do it.. Lindsey Hegarty, a 30-year-old paralegal who lives on Chicagos North Side, said she backed Johnson because he seemed like the most progressive candidate on issues like policing, mental health and public transit. Some said by the end of the month isn't soon enough. [Read more] Masks are staying in Chicago Public Schools, but some parents demand to know where is the COVID-19 off-ramp? . JB Pritzker said Wednesday. Suburban Cook County. An average of 431 confirmed cases are being reported per day, down 30 percent from a week ago. Email: Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, Road reconstruction closes part of Ohio 25, Kobe Bryant family settles photo lawsuit for $28.5 million, Greek transport minister resigns over train crash; 36 dead, TikTok sets new default time limits for minors. Chicagos health department then announced it would also aim to end the citys mask and vaccine card mandates by the end of the month, though Chicago would have to hit three out of four milestones for at least two weeks for that to happen. But some contend it's time to stop now, citing fewer severe COVID-19 cases, health care staffing shortages and the impending May 11 expiration of a national public health emergency that has been in place since January 2020. Block Club Chicago is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, nonpartisan and essential coverage of Chicagos diverse neighborhoods. Since COVID-19 arrived in Chicago, we have been guided by the data when making decisions about necessary steps to protect people and keep from overwhelming our healthcare system, said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. Let's not play games with the numbers, and let's let the economy roll," said Leonard DeFranco, co-owner of Hawkeye's Bar And Grill. In all, 53,187,015 tests have been reported in Illinois. J.B. Pritzker's previously announced plans to end the Illinois mask mandate on the same date. But its also a sign of the turmoil in U.S. cities following the COVID-19 pandemic, with its economic fallout and spikes in violent crime in many places. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast). The changes come after weeks of COVID-19 numbers coming down from the Omicron surge. Most of these cases have involved edibles, specifically edibles accidentally eaten by children or unwitting visitors like grandparents or babysitters. Mayors Press Office press@cityofchicago.org. And we must respect it, Lightfoot said. Regardless of tonights outcome, we fought the right fights and we put this city on a better path, Lightfoot said. The stakes of the appeals court proceedings has been heightened recently as other states and some health providers ramped up pressure on federal officials to end a national COVID-19 vaccine mandate for medical workers. We will have a safe Chicago. As of Monday, Chicagoans will no longer be required to show proof of coronavirus vaccination in most indoor spaces, although there are some exceptions. It was at 4.1 percent Monday. Lightfoot said the city is "making tremendous progress" in bringing down COVID-19 cases, but added that 500 cases per day is "not where we want to be," saying "we're still seeing too many people dying every day from COVID. Come Monday, the indoor mask mandate will be lifted statewide, as well as in Chicago, where the city's proof-of-vaccination requirement will also end. Its reporting an average of 376 per day. At Charbella Salon in Lakeview, customers wore masks while getting their hair done, as did their stylist. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and are an important tool for ending the global pandemic. Something went wrong. Additionally, proof of vaccination is requiredat indoor restaurants, entertainment venues, gyms and other indoor facilities throughout the city. Lightfoot, the first Black woman and first openly gay person to lead the city, won her first term in 2019 after promising to end decades of corruption and backroom dealing at City Hall. I still encourage people to take precautions and definitely get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones.. By submitting your email, you agree to our, The freshest news from the local food world, Chicagos Mask and Vaccination Mandates for Bars and Restaurants Will End February 28, Sign up for the Its been a tough January and February for restaurant operators, he said. Cook Countys public health department, which covers most of the countys suburbs, announced it would follow suit, lifting its general mask mandate and proof-of-vaccine requirement on Monday, as well as its requirement that employees of establishments such as restaurants and gyms be vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Frustration is growing over the differing timelines for lifting COVID-19 mandates in Chicago and the state. And many business owners are getting frustrated with the city, especially those in the restaurant industry, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. Still, the number of cannabis-related calls is a very small percentage of the more than 80,000 the center received last year; of those, the highest percentage were for household cleaners, prescription drugs, cosmetics, and alcohol. Were gonna see where we are next week and make a decision sort of either way there, Arwady said. DeFranco is among many restaurant owners feeling left in the dark. "It's been a tough environment, we've all had to learn on our feet," said Phillip Walters, B. Hospitality Co. "As we lift the mask mandates, we hope people will feel more safe and start to come out again," said Steven Hartenstein, Stefani Restaurant Group. Through the resolution, the board would also reaffirm CPS CEO Pedro Martinezs authority to change district COVID-19 policies in consultation with public health officials and other stakeholders, which presumably include the Chicago Teachers Union. newsletter, The Return of Haymarkets Sausage Fest and 10 More Chicago Pop-Ups to Know, Logan Square Pasta Haven Daisies to Close This Weekend Ahead of Its Move, Ramen-san Brings Late-Night Fried Rice to Lincoln Park and Three More Openings, The Owners of Kalish Will Unveil a New Vegan Restaurant Next Week in Uptown, Chez Moi Bids Adieu After 11 Years and Six More Restaurant Closings. Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Tuesday that based on the way the city's COVID-19 numbers are trending, proof of vaccination requirements could be lifted . Currently the test positivity is in the lower transmission range, with ICU availability and hospital availability possibly moving into the lower transmission category soon, Dr. Arwady said. This Policy applies to all City employees, personnel of contractors, and vendors who have regular direct contact with, or regularly work close to, City employees and volunteers. Aaron Rodgers hasnt won a super bowl since Obamas first term, the tweet notes. Could happen as soon as today.Test positivity is in lower transmission.Hospital beds in yellow (substantial), heading toward blue (lower). pic.twitter.com/kGG0dgPvn1, Chicago has met the goal for its positivity rate, and it could meet the goal for ICU beds within a day or two, Arwady said. Hospital beds: Chicago must have an average of 249 or fewer beds occupied by COVID-19 patients per day. He has called for adding hundreds of police officers to patrol the city, saying crime is out of control and morale among officers sunk to a new low during Lightfoots tenure. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. At times, it has led to some mixed messaging and conflict with the state. And if operators still want to impose mask mandates at their individual restaurants, they can. She also said she will continue to wear a mask in public. The Cook County Department of Public Health said it also anticipates that if key metrics continue to improve, the vaccination and masking orders for suburban Cook County, less Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park and Stickney Township, can be lifted in the same timeframe Pritzker laid out Wednesday. I want people to understand were not just choosing a date; were going based on when were there.. The city set. `` Chicago public Schools, but she also has made a point emphasizing. 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