The clouds are parting over Cook County.
After what seemed like weeks of back-and-forth, Chicago COVID-19 mandates are being lifted in line with the state of Illinois. Beginning on Monday, Feb. 28, Chicagoans will no longer be required to wear a mask or show proof-of-vaccination in most indoor establishments.
“Based on key data, it looks as if the worst of the Omicron surge is behind us and we will be able to safely remove these emergency measures instituted to protect the health and safety of our residents,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on Feb. 22.
It remained unclear this month whether Lightfoot’s decision would mirror Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s, but the Chicago Department of Public Health announced this week that Chicago has entered the lower-risk range.
That said, CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady cautioned Chicagoans to remain vigilant, and Lightfoot said they will re-implement mandates if necessary.
“This doesn’t mean COVID is gone. It simply means transmission levels are lower than they have been during surges,” Arwady said, following CDPH’s statement on Feb. 21.
Masks will still be required on public transit and in healthcare facilities. Chicago Public Schools will also continue to require masks past Feb. 28.
