Coronavirus
Illinois’ COVID-19 Disaster Proclamation Will End In May, Pritzker Says
The virus continues to drive illness in Illinois and across the world, but many no longer view it as the threat they used to.
Chicago Public Schools Doesn’t Track COVID Boosters For Students, Staff
Chicago’s practice of not keeping tabs on updated booster vaccination by schools comes as parts of the country are experiencing an uptick in COVID-19.
Chicago Could Soon Bring Back Mask Advisory As COVID Cases Rise — But It Won’t Require Them Yet
The city's leaders urged Chicagoans to wear a mask in the coming weeks — but they won't require it for now.
Here’s How To Safely Celebrate The Holidays Amid The ‘Triple-Demic’ Of COVID, Flu And RSV
"We know that the holidays are a time that makes our COVID rates go up," health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said.
As Chicago Faces ‘Triple-Demic’ And Uptick In COVID Cases, Mayor Lightfoot Urges Chicagoans To Get Vaccinated
Lightfoot, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, said, "I feel like part of the reason why I'm feeling up and ready to go — and ready to finish my Christmas shopping — is because I got the second booster."
As COVID Cases Rise, Chicago Students Encouraged To Get Vaccinated, Wear Masks Over Break
“It’s a complicated time knowing that this is respiratory virus season, and that that surge that is coming is likely to hit across the whole city,” the city's health commissioner said.
All School-Age Children Can Get Extra Protection Against COVID-19
Chicago Public Schools’ vaccine sites will offer the updated vaccine this week. The district will alert families when the bivalent booster is available to 5- to 11-year-olds.
After Launching ‘Save Local’ Series During Pandemic, West Town Photographer Is Following Up With Business Owners 2 Years Later
"I wanted to see the happy ending. ... I wanted to see how people fared and how the community supported them," Candice Cusic said.
Chicago Schools See COVID Vaccination Rates Backslide With A Wave Of New Students
The average school vaccination rate is 39.6 percent across all schools. Rates remain the lowest at predominantly Black schools on the South and West sides, according to a data analysis by Chalkbeat.
Flu Season Is Coming, And It Could Be Bad, Health Officials Say. You Can Get Your Shots To Stay Safe
The health department recommends everyone 6 months and older get their flu shot before the end of October. Officials also urge people to get their COVID-19 vaccination shots.
Pisolino Italian Market Closing After 7 Years In Avondale: ‘Not Enough Business To Sustain It’
The Italian spot struggled with foot traffic before the pandemic, and that "battle resumed once the world opened back up and people had so many more options," Pisolino's co-owner said.
New COVID Boosters Now Available In Chicago, Giving More Protection Against Common Omicron Variants
The bivalent boosters are free and available to everyone 12 and older who has already gotten their initial vaccine shots. People should get them as soon as possible, officials urged.
New COVID Booster Shots Could Be In Chicago By Tuesday — And Could Finally Get Us ‘Ahead Of The Virus,’ Top Doc Says
The bivalent booster shots will be key to protecting people from Omicron and preventing another surge, officials said. They'll be available for free to Chicagoans 12 and older.
Chicago Restaurants Are Struggling To Keep Staff As Burned-Out Workers Bail For Better Pay, Less Stress
Many restaurants have hiked wages, but it's not enough for workers disillusioned by cranky customers and grueling work. “If you don’t have to go back to hell, why set yourself up to burn?”
Chicago’s Top Doc Has COVID But Has Minimal Symptoms Thanks To Vaccines, She Says
Dr. Allison Arwady has become known as a guiding force for Chicago during the pandemic, hosting news conference and livestreams where she's answered Chicagoans' questions and talked about the city's progress.
River North Neighbors’ Group Raising Money After COVID-19 Set It Back Financially
The River North Residents Association is raising $100,000 to sustain its work after it pivoted to a new festival format that didn't attract as many attendees as organizers hoped.
Will Your College Still Require COVID Vaccinations Now That The State Dropped Its Mandate?
"As we continue to move toward living with this virus, my administration will relax some requirements while continuing to protect the most vulnerable," Gov. JB Pritzker said.
Wear Masks Indoors, Get Vaccinated And Tested As COVID BA.5 Spreads, County Health Officials Say
BA.4 and BA.5 are spreading in Cook County, but residents can take steps to protect themselves, according to the health department.
COVID Vaccination Sites For Kids, Families Have Slots Open Throughout Summer
Anyone 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. South Side sites are open throughout the summer for families.
Chicago’s COVID Risk Drops Back To Medium As Cases Fall, Health Department Says
Chicago moved into the high-risk category in late May as COVID-19 cases spiked yet again, putting a burden on the health care system. But newly reported cases and hospitalizations are dropping.
