More than 400 judges serve on the Cook County bench. The problem with not requiring vaccinated people to mask in public indoor settings is that "you dont know whos really vaccinated and who isnt when they come inside a place, Rubin said. Individuals, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, should wear a mask in public indoor settings now that the areas community transmission risk has moved to substantial from moderate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Using the new metrics, Chicago is at low risk, as we knew it would be. Those four states joined the action challenging the Biden mask and vaccine mandate. What Will the End of the COVID-19 Pandemic Be Like? 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.. But Arwady said the city would follow Cook County if the county broke 200 cases per 100,000 first. Cook County this week has 51 cases per 100,000 people, up 78 percent from the prior 7-day period, CDC data shows. Cook County At Lowest Level Of COVID-19 Risk In CDC's New Guidelines This isnt forever, but it is necessary to help decrease the risk for all Chicagoans right now.. COVID-19 Poses 'High' Risk Across Chicago, Cook County: Federal Health Federal courts are not subject to the orders issued by the Illinois Supreme Court. Chicago's mask and vaccination requirements will end on Monday, February 28, the same day the state mask mandate is lifted, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced yesterday.Suburban Cook County will . Lisa Chavarria reports. 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. Cook County this week has 51 cases per 100,000 people, up 78 percent from the prior 7-day period, CDC data shows. 130 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601 As times progresses, health officials say they will continue to monitor all measures that will be considered in the decision-making progress, including: Not all metrics need to be at target to modify the current mitigations, health officials explained, but substantial progress must be observed. Generally speaking, however, young healthy people in their 20s with strong immune systems tend to fare quite well. High-resolution design files are available for download and use by partners interested in branding as their own with a source credit to CCDPH. Statewide, health officials on Friday reported 7,709 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, a level not seen since early February. According to a release from the chief judges office, Evans received 184 votes from 219 voting judges. Under the federal agency's recommendation, areas of substantial transmission are . January 13, 2022 / 5:17 PM / CBS Chicago CHICAGO (CBS) -- We are 10 days into the new COVID-19 vaccine mandate rules for many indoor businesses in Chicago and Cook County - and the county. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News). All rights reserved. High-resolution design files are available for download and use by . Anyone can get COVID-19 even you. Countywide, the Cook County Department of Public Health reports an average of 632 new daily cases, down from 1,007 the week prior. Cook County moved from a low COVID-19 risk to a medium risk of COVID-19 on May 5. Chicago Tribunes Dan Petrella contributed. The city also has had a mask mandate for indoor settings. Many people in the United States have some protection, or immunity, against COVID-19 due to vaccination, previous infection, or both. However, masks are still required for everyone in healthcare settings, in congregate settings and on transit. Testing can give you information about your risk of spreading COVID-19. However, the appetite among Americans for further continued restrictions, including indoor mask mandates, seems to be wearing thin and mask usage continues to drop, as mandates fall. And according to a memo issued Sept. 16, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans has told employees of the Cook County Circuit Court that the order will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Since then, the Illinois Department of Public Health has at times moved Cook Countys Covid risk level between low and high several times. Therefore, until local transmission rates reach safer levels, the court will continue its policy of requiring masks or other face coverings in the courthouses at all times other people are present, unless a person is otherwise instructed by the judge or court personnel. If COVID threatens our local hospitals and health care facilities capacity, we will take further action like citywide indoor mask mandates or even more stringent if thats required, Arwady said Thursday. As of Sept. 22, the IDPH has reported the Cook County Covid transmission risk level as medium.. But Arwady said the city would follow Cook County if the county broke 200 cases per 100,000 first. The decision was made in consultation with Dr. Rachel Rubin, M.D., senior medical officer and co-lead of the Cook County Department of Public Health. Getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a mask, testing often, watching our distance, washing our hands, and staying home when sick, are all proven strategies for helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, like Delta and Omicron. Staying current is easy with Crain's news delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge. The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) anticipates that if key metrics continue to improve through February, the CCDPH vaccination and masking order for suburban Cook County (minus Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park and Stickney Township) can be lifted consistent with the Governors time frame. . According to the CDC, 3.5%of staffed hospital beds in Cook County are in use by COVID-19 patients on average during the past seven days. Illinois will lift its indoor mask mandate beginning in late February, with the exception of schools, should COVID-19 metrics continue to decline, Gov. Dr. CCDPH will continue to monitor daily all measures that will be considered in the departments decision-making process. Masking as part of isolation after infection and quarantine after exposure is still necessary to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Last month, Arwady suggested a medium level designation could lead to a reinstated mask mandate at CPS, but this week she said only at high risk will any form of a mask requirement be put in place. Get the best business coverage in Chicago, from breaking news to razor-sharp analysis, in print and online. The Mitigation Orders can be seen below: CCDPH Mitigation Order 2022-1 was issued on February 28, 2022, and goes into effect on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 6 a.m. Answer Call. He said the courts would only revisit the decision if public health officials drop their recommendation that people continue to wear masks in public indoor settings, or if local transmission rates reach safer levels.. Mask mandate to remain in effect in Circuit Court of Cook County facilitiesReleased On 03/01/2022 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. In a press conference with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Dr . Region 10, Suburban Cook County, has had . Saved Stories Save . Administrative Order 2022-3 - Temporary Order Re: Jury Trials - AMENDED: 01/05/22 20th Circuit St. Clair St. Clair County Court Response to COVID-19 Emergency/Impact . Cook County, Chicago mask mandate, proof of vaccine requirement to lift CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-5 was issued on March 2, 2021. Hitting more than 400 new cases per day would put the city in the high risk category. Public transportation officials from the CTA along with Chicago Public Schools are encouraging the wearing of masks. As of February 28, 2022: Masks are no longer required indoors and at businesses in Illinois and Cook County - including Niles. In a statement issued Feb. 9, the Cook County Department of Public Health announced its vaccination and masking orders can be lifted in consistent with Illinois' Gov. School officials said that the district's positivity rate stood at 0.68. Residents should wear a mask indoors, limit gatherings to a small number of people and consider avoiding higher-risk activities such as crowded indoor gatherings, according to the guidance from federal officials. Pritzker said the indoor mask mandate will remain in effect at these venues throughout the city, county and state. At the same time, some peoplesuch as those who are older, areimmunocompromised, have certain disabilities, or have certain underlying health conditionscontinue to be at higher risk for serious illness. EMBED <> More Videos and Terms of Service apply. All Rights Reserved. That is due to the efficacy of the vaccines, Arwady said. NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Individuals in schools, day care settings, and educational institutions should continue to guidance issued by those departments. However, the states high court allowed any of the states 24 circuit courts to issue their own rules pertaining to masking. Rubin continues to recommend masking in all court facilities, Evans wrote in the recent memo. The metrics are based on a combination of new cases and hospitalizations, but the medium category is automatically reached if weekly cases surpass 200 positive tests per 100,000 residents. Use our sample social media posts to encourage your friends and family to #MASKUP. CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-6 was issued on March 26, 2021. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free. story . Published February 14, 2022 Updated on February 14, 2022 at 1:38 pm. Dr. Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, said Thursday morning Chicago officials will reimpose an indoor mask mandate only if and when the number of COVID-19 patients threatens the ability of Chicagos hospitals to function. (emergency preparedness), Don't Guess. Establishments previously cited for violation under the Cook County Department of Public Health Mitigation Orders 2020-1 and 2020-2 will be retained by the, Ebola Information for Healthcare Organizations, Be Aware. (emergency preparedness), Don't Guess. Find out everything you need to know about masking. Wearing a mask indoors to protect those at high risk for severe illness from a COVID-19 infection, including adults over the age of 50, those with underlying medical conditions, and the immunocompromised; Socializing outdoors if possible and avoiding poorly ventilated indoor settings; Testing for COVID-19 before attending a family or public event; Requesting treatment for COVID-19 from a medical provider in the event of a COVID-positive diagnosis; and. I thank you for your continued cooperation as we follow medical professionals recommendations of best practices to keep us all safe during these times, Judge Evans said. Answer Call. Masks, for instance, have been permitted, but not required for everyone visiting and working in courthouses in all of the counties surrounding Cook, including the collar counties of Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane and Will counties, since March 2022. Wearing a mask around others indoors helps protect yourself and those around you, which is especially important for people who are immunocompromised, who are at-risk for complications from COVID, or who are unvaccinated by choice or because they are too young. Chicago health officials announced Friday that indoor masking is once again strongly recommended but not required in the city as the risk of contracting COVID-19 in Cook County has increased. That strain is measured by the number of new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 residents during a seven-day period and the percent of staffed hospital beds in use by COVID-19 patients on average during the past seven days. CCDPH continues to recommend masking with a well-fitting high-quality mask, such as a KN95 or N95 respirator, for those who are considered at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness (or live or work with high risk individuals) when they are in public indoor spaces or other places where individuals near them may be unvaccinated. DAYCARE CENTER STAFF VACCINE MANDATE - Daycare center staff statewide are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not done so already. Cook County is at 259 cases per 100,000 residents, according to CDC data. Suite 3200 Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household. Take Action. The decision was made in consultation with Dr. Rachel Rubin, M.D., senior medical officer and co-lead of the Cook County Department of Public Health. While local, county and state officials are revoking the indoor masking requirement for most state residents, Illinois students and school staff will continue to remain masked as other states empower local school districts to decide. The number of people who have died from COVID-19 has never been lower, according to data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Here's What We Know So Far. The move comes as counties across Illinois see COVID cases increase, due largely to the more contagious delta variant. Since the Illinois Supreme Courts order, however, Judge Evans has steadfastly refused to relax the mask requirements in any way. Chicago, Cook County to lift mask mandates and vaccine requirement Feb. 28, lift the citys proof of vaccination requirement. She informed my staff that our local community transmission rate remains substantial, and strongly recommends we continue our mask mandate until levels reach moderate or low, Judge Evans said. He also hinted his superseding state mask mandate could return if case rates rebound, requiring Cook County residents to mask up again even if the local order is revoked. Chicago, Cook County to lift mask mandates and vaccine requirement Feb. 28 The county is one of 15 statewide to move to high community spread of COVID-19, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Stay safe out there and be sure to do your part to protect yourself and those around you. 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 will be lifted. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left;width:100%;font-weight:normal;}, Beyond Chicago from the Air with Geoffrey Baer, Medicaid Renewal Process Starts as Illinois Officials Urge Residents to Return Information, Additional COVID-19 Boosters Cleared for Older Adults, Immunocompromised People, Chicago Faces $85M Budget Shortfall in 2024, Says Lightfoot While Defending Her Financial Legacy, Why Are Teen Girls in Crisis? The news follows Gov J.B. Pritzker announcement that the statewide indoor mask mandate will be lifted on Feb. 28, excluding in schools, hospitals and on public transit. Masks Recommended By Cook County Health Officials As COVID Cases Rise Get Prepared. Illinois also announced the state will widely align with the new CDC guidance, as well as remove the school mask mandate starting Monday. We take it very seriously. Lightfoot said the announced end of the mandates on Feb. 28 doesn't have to do with a lawsuit challenging the vaccine mandates for . In Cook County, . Take Action. 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