Mask Guidance Update!!! Chicago is currently in Phase 5.
In Phase 5, most mandatory COVID-19 regulations have been lifted, including capacity limits and social distancing requirements at most businesses. Effective August 20, 2021, masks are required in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.
Although the City of Chicago eased all COVID-19 regulations for Chicago businesses and open the city to 100%, reinstituting this measure to prevent any further spread of the new highly transmissible Delta variant and save lives is the City's goal.
“But with case counts now rising back to this level, the risk has increased for everyone, even those who are vaccinated,” said Dr. Arwady. “The time to act is now to prevent further spread. Chicago residents who have not yet been vaccinated should get a vaccine as soon as possible—it will protect you and your loved ones from the risk of serious illness or even death.” Masks Effective August 20, 2021, masks are required in all indoor public settings. Similar to previous mask mandates, masks can be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating/drinking while stationary. Masks can also be removed for certain activities that require their removal, such as beard shaves or facials. Additionally, masks can be removed by employees in settings that are not open to the public, if employees are static and maintaining at least six feet from all other individuals (for example, in office cubicles).
Masks are still mandatory on public transportation, in healthcare settings, schools, and correctional and congregate settings but does not include or affect the capacity limits at public places, and masking still remains optional in outdoor settings, where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower. Masking is still recommended and encouraged for unvaccinated individuals in the crowded outdoor settings.
Operating Hours Bars, restaurants and other establishments with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license can resume normal hours of operation. Public Gatherings Guidance For public gatherings and events, it is recommended that event organizers require attendees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours prior to attending. To create a safer event, CDPH recommends checking documentation of vaccination or negative test status, if feasible. If vaccination or negative test status cannot be checked, CDPH recommends that all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks whenever social distancing cannot be maintained.
While we have made incredible progress, now is not the time to let up and it is critical that we continue to do everything possible to curb the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Thank you for your commitment to following these regulations closely .
Emergency Travel Order
Updated 11/2/2021 Based on data as of 11/1/2021 The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) weekly COVID-19 Travel Advisory currently includes 41 states and one territory. States are removed from the Travel Advisory when they maintain a COVID case rate below 15 per 100,000 residents for at least two consecutive weeks. States and territories not on the Travel Advisory: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, and the Virgin Islands. The U.S. average daily case rate per 100,000 residents is 21.4 (17.8 last week). Illinois’ daily case rate currently is 16.5. Chicago’s daily case rate per 100,000 residents is 11.5. Under the advisory, unvaccinated travelers should be tested for COVID before and after travel and should quarantine upon arrival in Chicago.
Orange list: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Yellow list: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Hampshire, Michigan, Connecticut, Vermont, Louisiana, South Carolina, Maine, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. This order applies to returning Chicago residents and out-of-state visitors arriving in Chicago.(Learn more about COVID-19 testing)
Before travel, unvaccinated individuals traveling to a high-risk ("orange") state should:
Get tested 1-3 days prior to departure.
While traveling:
ALL individuals regardless of vaccination status should wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
In Chicago, wear a mask in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.
Avoid crowds as much as you can and wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
After travel, unvaccinated individuals returning from a high-risk ("orange") state should:
Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days.
Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
All travelers are advised after travel to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms and isolate and get tested if they develop symptoms. Frequently Asked Questions Download FAQ list English | Spanish
Chicago Travel Advisory State by State List This list is updated every other Tuesday based on that Monday's data. It goes into effect the following Friday at 12:01 am. (for more information and updates on COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus.)