Oops. Lightfoot accused Vallas of using the ultimate dog whistle by saying his campaign is about taking back our city, and of cozying up to the president of the Fraternal Order of Police, whom she calls a racist. The health care vaccination mandate is scheduled to run until November 2024. Something went wrong. The Chicago Transit Authority reminded travelers Saturday that masks are still required on public buses and trains, as well as within the station. Since Monday, 103,189 tests were reported statewide. 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. "Really? Scott Weiner, partner 19 Chicago restaurants including West Town Bakery, said removing the mask mandate could be a major step toward normalcy. The City of Chicago mask mandate will likely end at the same time Pritzker lifts the Illinois mask mandate, health officials said. Aaron Rodgers hasnt won a super bowl since Obamas first term, the tweet notes. I dont want to put myself at risk. The city of Chicago plans to end both its indoor mask mandate and its proof-of-vaccination mandate by the end of the month, in line with Illinois' timeline to drop the statewide indoor mask . Its been two years since Illinois legalized recreational marijuana, and since then, cannabis-related calls to the Illinois Poison Center have nearly doubled, the Tribune reports, from 487 in 2019 to 855 in 2021. The safety agreement with the teachers union mandates masks in schools until August. She told her fellow mayors around the country not to fear being bold. It makes me angry," he said. We have made great progress in recent weeks against this virus, and we do not want to jeopardize that progress by moving too quickly, the district said in a statement released later Tuesday. 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 a specific date. 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. 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. 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. Vaccines protect you and the people around you, reducing the spread of COVID-19. JB Pritzker's Illinois mask mandate to end Feb. 28 By Rob Elgas and. 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 . "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. Lea este artculo en espaol en La Voz Chicago. The changes come after weeks of COVID-19 numbers coming down from the Omicron surge. 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. The seven-day rolling averages for each category need to be at a "lower transmission" level, which is set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk is down to a point where it is appropriate to lift the mandates, Arwady said. Chicago workers can pay for tests instead of getting COVID-19 vaccine until the end of the year By Claudia Morell. Illinois seven-day case positivity rate was at 2.9 percent. Plus, local breweries raise thousands of dollars for Twisted Hippo after a devastating fire in Albany Park. 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. "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. As a news piece, this article cites verifiable, third-party sources which have all been thoroughly fact-checked and deemed credible by the Newsroom. 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.. The moves bring Chicago in line with Gov. After those two weeks, if the numbers remain within the lower transmission category, then officials would move to remove mitigations that are in place. Lightfoots loss is unusual for mayors in large cities, who have tended to win reelection with relative ease. Oct. 8, 2021, 4:30 p.m. CT . 1 ranking for business relocations, expansion, AMC movie theater popcorn coming to Walmart in new at-home snack line, Wild Things 2023 Conference: Glorious gamut from poaching in forest preserves to queer ecology. A recent Chicago Tribune story also found Vallas Twitter account had liked racist tweets and tweets that mocked Lightfoots appearance and referred to her as masculine. 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. Block Club Chicagos coronavirus coverage is free for all readers. 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. In a nod to his campaign promise to combat crime, he said that, if elected, he would work to address public safety issues. Despite the CDC recommendations, local governments, including those in areas of low risk, like most of northern Illinois, have the ability to set their own rules. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Lightfoot, who tested positive for COVID last month, says she will continue to wear a mask. Well, if you didnt know, now you know, Johnson said. 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. But she also has made a point of emphasizing her desire to keep the city as open as possible. 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. 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. Vallas denied his comments were related to race and says his police union endorsement is from rank-and-file officers. At the moment, the latest COVID-19 surge seems to have peaked in Chicago. 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. This includes directly interviewing sources and research / analysis of primary source documents. Universal masking in CPS is part of an agreement with the teachers union that was sealed following its January work stoppage that resulted in five days of canceled classes. Additionally, proof of vaccination is requiredat indoor restaurants, entertainment venues, gyms and other indoor facilities throughout the city. At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said the city is averaging 431 cases per-day, above the 400 cases-per day threshold signaling high transmission. 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. 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. This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s). They cited a 1.5 point drop in the past week in Chicago's positivity rate. Still, a lawsuit by CPS parents in Mount Greenwood against the mandate could impact the situation going forward. But Arwady noted that the full two-week period may not be reached before the lifting begins. 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 . As of Tuesday, Chicagos average daily case rate was 283 down 37% from the 452 cases-a-day just one week ago. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The Wild Things 2023 Conference drew thousands of outdoor sorts. 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. "Their regulations are making it harder . 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. Here are key takeaways from the night. sent-trib.com In all, 53,187,015 tests have been reported in Illinois. City officials later said, however, that they would consider going forward with dropping the mandate even if they hadnt hit those totals to avoid confusion for residents. "We're really close, and it is really exciting.". But the city could also opt to end its mandates early to line up with the state and avoid confusion for residents, Arwady said. Block Club Chicago is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, nonpartisan and essential coverage of Chicagos diverse neighborhoods. 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. There are clear contrasts between Vallas and Johnson. 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. 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. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune). Please be kind and considerate of your fellow Chicagoans and the decisions we all continue to make to protect themselves and those around them.. "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. Throughout the pandemic, Lightfoot has walked a fine line between tough measures and keeping the city open. Thats down from 2% a week ago. The show requires its chef contestants to create meals from a selection of mystery ingredients. We would not have been in a position even a few weeks ago to be making this kind of announcement today.. Associated Press writers Claire Savage and Teresa Crawford in Chicago contributed to this report. In a gathering of 50 people, she said during the mayors announcement, there is a one-in-five chance someone has COVID-19, as opposed to one-in-two, as it was a week ago. At least 32,072 people have died from COVID-19 in Illinois, and another 3,985 deaths are probably related to the virus, according to the state. 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. Crime was an issue that resonated with voters. "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. 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. Either way, its been a burden that has occasionally resulted in confrontations between employees and customers, Toia said. Chicagos positivity rate was at 2 percent, down from 3.3 percent a week ago. Across the state, 23,110 vaccine doses are being administered per day, based on a seven-day rolling average. The city only reached that point on Monday, Block Club reports, but Arwady said that transmission rates have been dropping steadily and precipitously in the past few weeks. As of Monday night, 352 people with COVID-19 were in the ICU and 172 people with COVID-19 were using ventilators in Illinois. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election, All Eyes On a Strong' System That Could Hit Chicago Area Friday, But Much Uncertainty Remains, Who is Brandon Johnson? Thanks for subscribing to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. A formal announcement regarding changes to the mask and vaccine proof requirements will be made next week, the health official stated. And many business owners are getting frustrated with the city, especially those in the restaurant industry, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. 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. Everyone 5 and older is eligible to get vaccinated in Chicago. 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. During a Facebook live question-and-answer session, Arwady said she is "feeling optimistic," about moving forward. Thats tough. ICU beds: Chicago must have an average of 99 or fewer ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients per day. A post shared by Chicago Gourmet (@chicago_gourmet). 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. Block Club Chicago has more on San Franciscos victory, the scene at Wieners Circle, and a pressing staff update: legendary late-night insult artist Roberta Poochie Jackson is making videos for fans on Cameo for $50 apiece. 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. JB Pritzker set for state. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast). Arwady does expect a slight increase in cases after the mandates lift, but she thinks the city should be able to handle it. Similarly, hospitalization rates are a fraction of what they were at the height of the omicron surge, when more people were admitted to hospitals than at any time during pandemic most unvaccinated, she said. 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. It was at 3.3 percent Monday. The home popcorn will be available in select Walmart stores on March 11, the day before the 95th Academy Awards. Illinois statewide mask mandate is set to end Feb. 28. Lightfoot resisted proof-of-vaccine mandates until Jan. 3, long after other cities such as New York had implemented similar policies. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune). Central U.S. location and a deep labor pool help Chicago snare top honor from Site Selection magazine for 10th year in a row. Chicago business owners frustrated; city's restrictions may not lift with Illinois mask mandate end COVID Illinois: City of Chicago vaccine mandate, face mask requirements may not end. Please enter a valid email and try again. ", READ MORE: Pritzker to lift Illinois mask mandate for some. Most of these cases have involved edibles, specifically edibles accidentally eaten by children or unwitting visitors like grandparents or babysitters. It's unclear when face mask and COVID vaccine requirements will be lifted in the city. Golom on Valentines Day announced her plans to retire and close the restaurant on Sunday, February 27, but has since received thousands of phone calls and Facebook comments from patrons hoping to visit one last time. In addition, the new guidelines do not change the federal requirement to wear masks on public transportation and indoors in airports, train stations and bus stations. Phone: 419-352-4611 It wouldnt be worth confusing residents to continue the mandates, so long as Chicago has hit at least three of its goals and numbers are declining, she said. Businesses from salons to fitness centers to restaurants have suffered during the pandemic. At Charbella Salon in Lakeview, customers wore masks while getting their hair done, as did their stylist. Got a story tip? The National Weather Service is tracking a storm that could bring a decent accumulation of snow. "We got to see the day to get there. Then, a party of five leaves because all five of em do not have the vaccine. 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. 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. But Arwady noted that the full two-week period may not be reached before the Academy! 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