Chicago, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Normalcy is nearer. Cook County is moving to Phase 5 and a full reopening, removing all capacity limits and restrictions. Conventions, festivals and other large events are allowed to function at full capacity in Cook County in Phase 5.
Here are guidelines from the Cook County Department of Public Health:
- Fully vaccinated people at businesses and venues are not required to wear a face covering nor social distance both inside and outside.
- Businesses and municipalities are allowed to continue requiring face coverings and social distancing.
- Unvaccinated people are advised to wear a face covering and keep six feet of social distancing at all businesses and venues.
- Unvaccinated people may remove their mask outdoors in areas where they are able to maintain six feet of distance.
- Residents in schools and day care settings are advised to follow guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and Illinois Department of Public Health.
Although people who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a face covering under state guidance, businesses and venues should be supportive of customers and employees who choose to wear a face covering. Additionally, persons who are immunocompromised should consider wearing a face covering when in settings where others may not be fully vaccinated. All unvaccinated persons should wear face coverings in crowded settings, both indoors and outdoors, especially when youth are present.
All businesses and venues should support social distancing to the extent possible, especially in indoor settings. Businesses and venues should apply best practices in managing distancing in such places as concessions/counters, public restrooms, and lines/queuing.
For the latest information on vaccination sites, please visit: cookcountypublichealth.org.
Currently almost half of Cook County residents have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Cook County has consolidated some of our vaccination sites to better meet our current demand. Over the last few weeks, the Tinley Park Convention Center (Tinley Park), South Suburban College (South Holland), and Triton College (River Grove) sites have closed.
Large-scale sites still open for scheduled and walk in appointments for all residents age 12 and older:
- Des Plaines, 1155 E. Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL
- Forest Park, 7630 W. Roosevelt Rd., Forest Park, IL
- Matteson, 4647 Promenade Way, Matteson, IL
CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens in Park Forest also offer free vaccinations. We strongly encourage all who are eligible — all people 12 and older — to seek out and get vaccinated.
