At the United Center, all attendees includingChicago BullsandBlackhawksfans will be required to presentproof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to gain access to the venue. Noting that she caught a mild case of COVID-19, Lightfoot said she intends to continue wearing a mask, particularly in restaurants where diners will soon have no idea whether other customers are vaccinated. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces Feb. 22, 2022, that the city will be ending its indoor mask requirement in most locations on Feb. 28. Additionally, proof of vaccination is requiredat indoor restaurants, entertainment venues, gyms and other indoor facilities throughout the city. The head of the Chicago Department of Public Health, Dr. Allison Arwady, said that in a gathering of 50 people, there is now a 1-in-5 chance that someone in that group has COVID-19, versus a 1-in-2 chance a week ago. Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, called Tuesdays announcement an encouraging sign of better times ahead for Chicagos restaurant community. Race also was a factor as candidates courted votes in the highly segregated city, which is closely divided in population among Black, Hispanic and white residents. Starting this coming Monday, patrons of restaurants, bars and gyms will be free to take their masks off and keep their vaccine cards in their wallets, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady announced at a City Hall news conference Tuesday. CHICAGO The city's mask and vaccine card mandates will end Monday. But it's only hit one so far and the state's masking end date is creeping up. We will have a safe Chicago. We have made great progress in recent weeks against this virus, and we do not want to jeopardize that progress by moving too quickly, CPS said in a release. City data shows more than 1.8 million Chicagoans or 68.2 percent of all residents are fully vaccinated, and 76.1 percent of all Chicagoans have gotten at least one shot. At times, it has led to some mixed messaging and conflict with the state. The mayor noted that masks would continue to be required on public transit, in health care settings and in other congregate spaces, following federal mandates and CDC guidance. The mandate requiring proof-of-vaccination will also end Feb. 28. In a memo to students, faculty and staff, University Provost Mary Boyce announced last week that the mandate "will no longer be in effect" starting on May 11, and phase out submitting proofs of vaccination. Here's what you should know as the mandates are removed. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune). Mayors Press Office press@cityofchicago.org. Thats my personal choice, Lightfoot said. Every dime we make fundsreportingfrom Chicagos neighborhoods. As of Tuesday, the citys test positivity rate of 1.5%, was in the low transmission category, while its rate of occupied hospital and ICU beds was in lower transmission. The seven-day rolling average of new daily cases was still at substantial transmission at 283 cases, but all those categories were decreasing. Masks will still be required on public transportation, in healthcare settings, and in certain school districts, including the Chicago Public Schools. In all cases, thieves sought to take cash out of registers or tip jars. 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. 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. "Once that worry is gone I think we'll see the restaurant industry get back to as normal as we're gonna be," he said. "We don't need to wait and miss two major economic opportunities for our city just because we want to be on pace with the state," said 15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez. Face masks on the Chicago Riverwalk last year. The moves bring Chicago in line with Gov. The National Weather Service is tracking a storm that could bring a decent accumulation of snow. A "Mask Required" sign at the entrance to a Kroger Co. grocery store in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. I will be honest with you: We need to hit those metrics to feel confident, Arwady said. Vallas, a former schools CEO backed by the police union, and Johnson, a Cook County commissioner endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union, advanced to the April 4 runoff after none of the nine candidates was able to secure over 50% of the vote to win outright. Email Newsroom@BlockClubChi.org. We will make Chicago the safest city in America, Vallas said. Lightfoot touted her record of investing in neighborhoods and supporting workers, such as by increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Lightfoot also urged understanding of individual decisions, something that has been in short supply in recent weeks during the raging controversy over masks that has divided the nation. " City officials say that once three of the preceding four metrics hit the lower transmission level, that will start a two-week clock, known as an incubation cycle.. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune). 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. We're talking about a matter of a few days is going to make a difference?". Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. He thanked the unions that supported him and gave a special shout-out to his wife, telling the crowd, Chicago, a Black woman will still be in charge.. "The Nanny" star Fran Drescher who is the current Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) president, alluded to the end of vaccine mandates in . Heres what we know and what it means for schools, Chicago and the suburbs. Deaths were down 51 % over the last week from 9.7 last week to 4.7. This is a meaningful step that will increase consumer confidence and keep our restaurants on a steady path to recovery.. But COVID numbers in the city are plunging; daily cases have fallen 95% from their peak in late December. I want to thank Chicagoans and in particular, our business community for adhering to these measures and helping us pass through this difficult time while keeping restaurants and other businesses open.. The figure represents the percentage of people testing positive among recent tests. At his victory party, Vallas noted that Lightfoot had called to congratulate him and asked the crowd to give her a round of applause. The owner said so far no one has complained about it, but once the mask mandate is lifted she still plans to ask for proof of vaccination. It does not apply to visitors. While Chicago lifted its mask mandate Monday, is the proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirement removed now, as well? Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pauses during her concession speech as her spouse Amy Eshleman applauds during an election night party for the mayoral election Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in Chicago. Chicago lifting mask and vaccine mandates on Feb. 28 but will keep masks in schools for now Rather than risk yet another confrontation with the Chicago Teachers Union, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez will follow the agreement they struck with CTU to end a dispute that canceled classes for five days last month. Even by the mayors own standards for lifting mitigations, Chicago now passes the test with flying colors. That brings the total number of confirmed cases in Illinois up to 3,004,664. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that Chicago will drop its mask mandate for most settings, as well as its proof-of-vaccination mandate at restaurants, bars and other indoor establishments, at the end of the month, reflecting a renewed hope for normalcy in the city as COVID-19 cases continue dropping from alarming highs. 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.. Johnson received about $1 million from the Chicago Teachers Union for his campaign and had support from several other progressive organizations, including United Working Families. "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. "Really? Were gonna see where we are next week and make a decision sort of either way there, Arwady said. Asked if she was treated unfairly because of her race and gender, Lightfoot said: Im a black woman in America. As of February 21, the 7-day-rolling-average test positivity (now 1.5% in Chicago), hospital COVID-19 census, and ICU COVID-19 census have all reached the pre-defined lower risk category, meaning they have been in an acceptable lower risk range for the last week. Lightfoot was asked Tuesday whether the declaration of independence from masks and proof-of-vaccine mandates marks an end to a pandemic that has dragged on for two years. 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. A post shared by Chicago Gourmet (@chicago_gourmet). I dont want to put myself at risk. Illinois and Chicago have administered at least 20,909,741 vaccine doses of the 23,455,645 provided to them. Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia welcomed the mayors decision to lift the mandates, keeping to the same statewide date set by Pritzker. Two days after a devastating fire destroyed Twisted Hippo Brewery in Albany Park, supporters and fellow craft beer makers have raised nearly $138,000 on GoFundMe to help displaced staff and help cover repair costs. 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. As Illinois aims to lift its mask mandate by Feb. 28, Chicago city officials assert the city's proof-of-vaccination and mask requirements could end soon, but have stopped short of providing. SAG-AFTRA president and The Nanny actress Fran Drescher urged Hollywood to end its vaccine mandates in her opening remarks at the 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony on Sunday (Feb. 26 . Its been a tough January and February for restaurant operators, he said. Clickhereto support Block Clubwith atax-deductible donation. DeFranco is not the only one frustrated; another restaurant owner said if the city mandates go past Feb. 28, she's not going to enforce them. The citys positivity rate was 1.5%. Businesses from salons to fitness centers to restaurants have suffered during the pandemic. Johnson has avoided the word defund during the race, and his campaign says he does not want to cut the number of police officers. Public safety has been an issue in other recent elections, including the recall of a San Francisco district attorney who was criticized for progressive policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its masking guidance Fridayto show 70% of the nation's counties at low or medium risk for COVID. By submitting your email, you agree to our, The freshest news from the local food world, Chicago Restaurant Vaccine Mandate Could Be Lifted By Spring Whatever That Means, Sign up for the Suburban Cook County will follow suit, the Tribune reports. But Chicago Public Schools is a notable exception and will continue to require masking. If the federal measure ends, the legal battle over New York's state mandate will determine if the shots are required of health . The pandemic also may shape elections for mayor in other cities this year, such as Philadelphia and Houston, where incumbents cannot run again due to term limits. An official website of the City of Chicago. And if operators still want to impose mask mandates at their individual restaurants, they can. Arwady said that the vaccine mandate wont be removed until the city gets down to medium-low, the Tribune reports. Jupiter served Gullah red rice fritters, a seared pork chop with creamy millet, an okra salad, and, for dessert, a meringue made from whipping the liquid in a can of black-eyed peas and mixing it with fried ham hocks, sorghum molasses, frozen peaches and pralines. "It riles me. The key metrics of the City has been used to track COVID-19 cases and hospital capacity since early in the pandemic including COVID-19 cases diagnosed per day, test positivity, and hospital and ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. But the city could also opt to end its mandates early to line up with the state and avoid confusion for residents, Arwady said. But rather than risk yet another confrontation with the Chicago Teachers Union and with vaccination rates varying dramatically between school communities Lightfoot and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said they will abide by the agreement struck with CTU that ended a dispute that canceled classes for five days last month. school that temporarily suspended the mask rules, Ald. That's just that's just how it isAnd we're getting really close and that is thanks to Chicagoans.". Crime was an issue that resonated with voters. Its reporting an average of 431 per day. But opponents blamed Lightfoot for an increase in crime that occured in cities across the U.S. during the pandemic and criticized her as being a divisive, overly contentious leader. "We got to see the day to get there. Some said by the end of the month isn't soon enough. Suburban Cook County. Were going back to a sense of normalcy. JB Pritzker announced last week Illinois' statewide mask mandate is set to end Feb. 28, so long as the state's COVID-19 metrics continue to fall. 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, Sign up for the Chicago officials announced they'll also lift the city's . Rudina Alihajdaraj, a hostess with Pequods Pizza, inspects a COVID-19 vaccination card on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, the first day that proof of vaccination mandate is required to eat inside at Chicago restaurants. Many school districts around the state have already gone mask-optional following recent court rulings school that temporarily suspended the mask rules for children whose families sued. 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. There have been at least 7,136 deaths from COVID-19 in Chicago. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Lightfoot resisted proof-of-vaccine mandates until Jan. 3, long after other cities such as New York had implemented similar policies. Oops. Aaron Rodgers hasnt won a super bowl since Obamas first term, the tweet notes. 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. Then, a party of five leaves because all five of em do not have the vaccine. Across the state, 23,110 vaccine doses are being administered per day, based on a seven-day rolling average. 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. 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. The city is seeing an average of more than eight people dying per day, down 40 percent from a week ago. Hospitalizations were down 29% to a daily average of 27. Learn more atLearn more at Chicago.gov/COVIDVax. 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. All rights reserved. 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 Lightfoots announcement was widely expected. 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 . Mayor Lori Lightfoot puts on a face mask while listening as Dr. Allison Arwady speaks to reporters, during a press conference announcing the citys plans to lift its mask and proof-of-vaccine mandates at City Hall, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022. The move comes amid improving COVID-19 metrics. The news was met with mixed reactions. 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. In making the announcement Tuesday, Lightfoot thanked residents who have complied with the rules and acknowledged the hardships that have resulted from the pandemic and resulting restrictions, citing the restaurant industry in particular. We would not have been in a position even a few weeks ago to be making this kind of announcement today.. 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. JB Pritzker said Wednesday. It frustrates me. J.B. Pritzker's previously announced plans to end the Illinois mask mandate on the same date. JB Pritzker said last week he anticipates the state's indoor mask mandate for venues that are not schools, hospitals and public transit will lift on Feb. 28 as COVID hospitalizations continue to drop. Proof of vaccination would no longer be required for patrons of restaurants, bars and gyms, along with the indoor mask mandates applying to those spaces in the city. In a nod to his campaign promise to combat crime, he said that, if elected, he would work to address public safety issues. 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. 6:45 PM PT - Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Johnson on Tuesday night noted the improbability that he would make the runoff, considering his low name recognition at the start of the race. Mixed messaging and conflict with the state 's masking end date is creeping up the suburbs in. The Illinois mask mandate on the same date individual restaurants, entertainment venues, gyms and other indoor throughout... Would not have the vaccine mandate wont be removed until the city with state... Salons to fitness centers to restaurants have suffered during the pandemic announcement..... Monday, is the proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirement removed now, as well a daily average of than... End date is creeping up are next week and make a difference?.... 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