Even by the mayors own standards for lifting mitigations, Chicago now passes the test with flying colors. All rights reserved, 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, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its masking guidance Friday, Election Results: See How All 50 Wards Voted in Chicago's Aldermanic Elections, Who Did Your Ward Vote For? As the City transitions its mitigation measures to remove the mask requirement, many Chicagoans will continue to wear masks in public spaces for a variety of reasons, even if they are vaccinated. 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. Columbia University will end its COVID-19 vaccine requirement as the national public health emergency expires this spring. Some said by the end of the month isn't soon enough. Lightfoot resisted proof-of-vaccine mandates until Jan. 3, long after other cities such as New York had implemented similar policies. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and other City Council members, Woman, 55, fatally wounded Tuesday night in North Austin neighborhood, New NCAA president says NIL rules could protect college athletes, Glencoe begins cost sharing program to combat lead pipes, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Got a story tip? She also noted that the city had navigated unprecedented challenges such as the pandemic and its economic and public safety fallout to protests over policing. Asked if she was treated unfairly because of her race and gender, Lightfoot said: Im a black woman in America. 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. 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, joining. 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. The changes come after weeks of COVID-19 numbers coming down from the Omicron surge. 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. School districts, too, may decide to implement their own mask mandates. Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, called Tuesdays announcement an encouraging sign of better times ahead for Chicagos restaurant community. Since Jan. 3, Chicago has required restaurant, bar and gym patrons to show proof of vaccination and a photo ID. During a Facebook live question-and-answer session, Arwady said she is "feeling optimistic," about moving forward. This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s). 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. ], 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.. READ MORE: Pritzker to lift Illinois mask mandate for some. 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.. "When we reduce these measures, we increase our vulnerability of having transmission continue to go high," says Jessica Malaty Rivera, an epidemiologist at the Pandemic Prevention Institute. JB Pritzker said Wednesday. 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. Aaron Rodgers hasnt won a super bowl since Obamas first term pic.twitter.com/D0WxOeCDfn, Tribune critic Louisa Chu grants two-and-a-half stars to Peanut Park Trattoria, the new neighborhood restaurant in Little Italy from the owners of deli palace Tempesta Market, thin-crust hit Coalfire, and suburban traditionalist Ristorante Agostino. Arwady: Our cases remain in high transmission, but we're getting very close to substantial territory. Fundraising efforts for the three-year-old Twisted Hippo were spearheaded by Mikerphone Brewing in Elk Grove Village and quickly drew support from other Chicago area breweries including Half Acre, Pipeworks, Lo Rez, and Skeleton Key Brewing in suburban Woodridge. The mandate requiring proof-of-vaccination will also end Feb. 28. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and are an important tool for ending the global pandemic. But COVID numbers in the city are plunging; daily cases have fallen 95% from their peak in late December. That brings the total number of confirmed cases in Illinois up to 3,004,664. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces Feb. 22, 2022, that the city will be ending its indoor mask requirement in most locations on Feb. 28. On the North Side, business owners aren't satisfied with the still-uncertain plan. Chicago will lift its mask and proof-of-vaccine mandates next week, but Chicago Public School students, teachers and employees must keep their masks on at least for the time being. Phone: 419-352-4611 The Chicago Transit Authority reminded travelers Saturday that masks are still required on public buses and trains, as well as within the station. The omicron variant arrived instead. Here are key takeaways from the night. 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. Well, if you didnt know, now you know, Johnson said. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, speaking during Sunday's SAG Awards, called on Hollywood to flex its economic muscles to democratize states where civil and human rights are under attack. The health care vaccination mandate is scheduled to run until November 2024. 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. The Illinois-Wisconsin sports rivalry is sufficiently acrimonious that a Packers loss is still reason for celebration, even if the Bears arent playing. More Chicagoans were hospitalized with COVID-19 during the Omicron surge than at any prior point in the pandemic and the great majority of these hospitalizations were in unvaccinated Chicagoans. The National Weather Service is tracking a storm that could bring a decent accumulation of snow. This time, he was laser-focused on public safety, saying police officers who left the force under Lightfoots administration will return if hes elected. Lightfoot in August had announced a vaccine . Lightfoot announced the latest move as the national trend turns against masking and other restrictions due to broader social desires to return to normal, though some doctors and activists caution against people dropping their guard. Thats my personal choice, Lightfoot said. ", "I don't want to put an artificial date on when this is going to happen when we still see some danger signs in the data," Lightfoot said. The seven-day average for new cases was 8,093 last Friday, down from an all-time high of 13,701 on January 7 but its still more than ten times the average at the end of October, when Gov. "As the nation . We will make Chicago the safest city in America, Vallas said. The trattoria has everything to do with Chicago history, Chu writes, weaving the co-owners legacies into vivid descriptions of impeccable linguine vongole, so loaded with briny sweet clams, its as if [co-owner Tony Fiasche] turned up the volume on the family stereo just a touch. Other praiseworthy submissions included a 24-ounce grilled bistecca that rivals not only the citys best steakhouses, but would turn the head of famous Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, and the fagioli, gigante white beans in garlic-tomato pork broth that Chu declares a main character merely masquerading as a side dish.. JB Pritzker . Currently, Chicago has a mask mandate in place for indoor settings, along with a requirement that patrons in specific indoor establishments show a proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to gain entry. Undaunted, the chain plans to refile this month. CHICAGO (AP) Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson will meet in a runoff to be the next mayor of Chicago after voters on Tuesday denied incumbent Lori Lightfoot a second term, issuing a rebuke to a leader who made history as head of the nation's third-largest city. Chicago lifting mask and vaccine mandates on Feb. 28 but will keep masks in schools for now, Maskless March: Pritzker to lift Illinois indoor mask mandate for most public areas Feb. 28 but not yet for schools, Rising COVID-19 cases prompt warnings for Illinoisans to remain vigilant and remain up to date on vaccine shots, State public health officials move away from outdated COVID testing positivity rate in favor of hospital metrics, Illinois COVID-19 cases rising: Critically important for immunocompromised to get vaccinated, boosted, Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center, Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports, US mask mandate for planes, other travel voided by federal judge in Florida, Dr. Ngozi Ezike to become CEO of Sinai Chicago hospital system, With COVID-19 cases rising, Pritzker still searching for public health chief to succeed Ezike, a hero during this pandemic, Lightfoot is out, Vallas and Johnson are in the April runoff, No major damage reported as tornadoes briefly touch down in Joliet, Naperville, Progressive leaders can blame themselves if Garcia or Johnson fail to make mayoral runoff, Blackhawks trade Patrick Kane to Rangers in era-ending move, Oscar predictions: Signs point to Everything turning to gold, Rain or snow coming later this week; NWS says stay tuned, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre cant be taken seriously, or humorously, Chicago area scores No. While COVID case numbers and hospitalizations have been on a downward trend in Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot won't commit to eliminating the mask and vaccine mandate in indoor spaces by the end of the month, in line with the state's plan. 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. It was at 3.3 percent Monday. Oops. J.B. Pritzker's previously announced plans to end the Illinois mask mandate on the same date. Something went wrong. A man in his 60s was taken to Swedish Hospital in serious condition due to smoke inhalation, the Trib reports, but no other injuries were reported. 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 deluge of well-wishes has prompted Golom to think about delaying the closure and put the business up for sale in the hope that another operator will take it over. I want people to understand were not just choosing a date; were going based on when were there.. newsletter, predicting an end to the statewide mask mandate, new neighborhood restaurant in Little Italy, 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, Alineas Top Bartenders Departure and Four More Shuffles, 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. Mikerphone also led a fundraising campaign, ultimately raising more than $145,000. Chicago will act in concert with the state, which is also scheduled to lift its mask mandate on Monday. 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. Johnson has avoided the word defund during the race, and his campaign says he does not want to cut the number of police officers. As with the state, the changes would not apply to public transit, health care facilities or schools, and business owners can still impose stricter requirements if they want to. Subscribe to Block Club Chicago,an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. 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. 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. Hospital beds: Chicago must have an average of 249 or fewer beds occupied by COVID-19 patients per day. In September, for instance, she dismissed a proposal for such a mandate from Ald. There are clear contrasts between Vallas and Johnson. 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. 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. From your lips to Gods ears, she replied. "February 28 is obviously the date that the state set; it's not the date that the city set.". 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. Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Feb. 22, 2022, as she announces the city will be ending its indoor mask requirement in most locations on Feb. 28. 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. 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. "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. 1616 E Wooster #15 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 of Chicago mask mandate will likely end at the same time Pritzker lifts the Illinois mask mandate, health officials said. She is the first elected Chicago mayor to lose a reelection bid since 1983, when Jane Byrne, the citys first female mayor, lost her Democratic primary. "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. Illinois will end its indoor mask mandate for most public places on Feb. 28. Rita DiPietro, who lives downtown, said she supported Lightfoot in 2019. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and do not require insurance. 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? Bowling Green, OH 43402 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. 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. The Chicago Board of Education is poised to vote on a resolution at Wednesdays monthly board meeting that would ratify district COVID-19 safety measures including universal masking of students and staff; testing for unvaccinated employees; and directing those who test positive or have been exposed to the virus to temporarily stay home. 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. Central U.S. location and a deep labor pool help Chicago snare top honor from Site Selection magazine for 10th year in a row. The city is seeing an average of more than eight people dying per day, down 40 percent from a week ago. Everyone 5 and older is eligible to get vaccinated in Chicago. Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, holds a face mask while speaking on Feb. 22, 2022. In those areas, masks are no longer necessary, according to the agency. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune). At Charbella Salon in Lakeview, customers wore masks while getting their hair done, as did their stylist. Eleven Chicago aldermen signed a letter callingon the city to lift all mandates by this weekend, in time for the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day. The other candidates were businessman Willie Wilson, Chicago City Council members Sophia King and Roderick Sawyer, activist JaMal Green and state Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner. The citys positivity rate was 1.5%. 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. 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. Illinois, Cook County and Chicago mask mandates and other COVID regulations before restrictions will be widely lifted Monday. Vallas served as an adviser to the Fraternal Order of Police during its negotiations with Lightfoots administration. Suburban Cook County. We're talking about a matter of a few days is going to make a difference?". But if we're talking about a week difference, for example, we might extend it. 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. North Side, business owners are n't satisfied with the state, is! 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