UPDATE: Coronavirus Mitigation Efforts
Tier 3 mitigation efforts are underway & are being enforced
With a new wave of COVID-19 surging across the state of Illinois and the nation, the state is committed to listening to public health experts and following the science to keep people safe. With COVID-19 spread now exponential in every region of the state, our statewide positivity rate at record highs and hospitalizations already surpassing our spring peak, all 11 regions have moved into Tier 3.
Some of the mitigation efforts include:
Bars and restaurants
• All bars and restaurants close at 11 p.m. and may reopen no earlier than 6 a.m. the following day
• No indoor service
• All bar and restaurant patrons should be seated at tables outside
• No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed)
• Tables should be 6 feet apart
• No standing or congregating outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
• No dancing or standing indoors
• No tables exceeding 6 people
• Reservations required for each party
• No seating of multiple parties at one table
• Indoor gaming terminals must suspend operations
• Includes private clubs and country clubs
Health and fitness centers
• Operate at no more than 25% capacity
• No indoor group classes
• Face coverings must be worn at all times regardless of person or machine spacing
• Reservations required
• Locker room areas should be closed
Indoor recreation, theaters, cultural institutions (e.g. casinos, bowling, arcades, movie theaters, museums, and zoos)
• Gaming and casinos close
• Indoor recreation centers, including theaters, performing arts centers, and museums, close
• Live streaming of performances encouraged with social distancing of performers
• Outdoor activities allowed at 25% capacity or less
• Outdoor group activities limited to 10 or less; all must wear face coverings at all times
• Reservations required for each guest for outdoor activities
Meetings, social events, and gatherings (including weddings, potlucks, etc.)
• Limit in-home gatherings to household members
• Meeting/banquet/private party rooms, private clubs, and country clubs may not host gatherings
• No party buses
• Funerals are limited to 10 family members of the decedents, not including staff
Offices
• All employees who can work remotely should work remotely
Organized group recreation (sports, indoor sports, and activity facilities)
• Pause indoor group sporting/recreational activities; individual training okay with reservation
• Outdoor sports and recreation allowed
• Participant groups and practices outdoors limited to 10 persons or less with social distancing
• Face coverings required for all activities at all times
• Locker rooms should be closed
Personal care service
• Operate at lesser of 25 clients or 25% capacity
• Face coverings must be worn at all times by clients and service providers
• Suspend services where a face covering cannot be worn (e.g. facials, beard trims)
• Physical, occupational, and massage therapy allowed as deemed necessary by a medical provider
• Virtual consultations recommended
Retail (including service counters)
• Operate at no more than 25% capacity, including “big box” stores that offer groceries
• Grocery stores and pharmacies may operate at up to 50% capacity
• Encourage delivery or curbside pickup options wherever possible
• When in-store shopping is necessary, promote efficient trips and consistent circulation
IDPH will continue to track the positivity rates and hospital capacity metrics in regions over a 14-day monitoring period to determine if mitigations can be relaxed, if additional mitigations are required, or if current mitigation should remain in place. In order for a region to move back to Tier 2 mitigations, a region must experience less than 12 percent test positivity rate for three consecutive days AND greater than 20 percent available intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital bed availability AND declining COVID hospitalizations in 7 out of the last 10 days.
Widespread testing is available--at no cost to you
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides for free COVID-19 testing and related office visits for those who need it, including reimbursement for the uninsured. There are a number of requirements so check with your provider for details.
The COVID-19 Job Training and Placement Program has Launched
The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership is receiving $4 million from Cook County in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and CARES Act funding. The funding will support training, placement, and career coaching programs for job seekers and provide additional resources for employers and training providers serving or located in suburban Cook County.
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Plan now for better days ahead!
Picnic permits for 2021 available now
At long last 2021 will be upon us. Allow yourself the luxury of looking ahead--and plan now!
As you might expect, some permitting processes and policies have changed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Permits for 2021 are available for purchase online or by telephone. Visit the website below, or call 800-870-3666, option 1. Due to anticipated high call volume, the best way to book a space will be through our website.
In-person permit sales are not currently available as the Forest Preserves General Headquarters is closed per the new COVID measures.
Unique event spaces available
Permits are available now for indoor events to be held in 2021. Events will be available at the Volunteer Resource Center/Edgebrook, Dan Ryan, and Thatcher Woods only.
Reminders when visiting the preserves:
All social distancing requirements apply. Wear a cloth mask.
Do not visit the forest preserves if you are sick or experiencing symptoms, or if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last two weeks.
Carry and use hand sanitizer if you touch handrails or other surfaces.
If you witness people not observing social distancing guidelines, please call the forest preserve non-emergency number: 708-771-1000.
Stay at home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms.
Election Information
Get your election results from trusted sources, not social media.
Suburban Residents
Click the button below to be directed to the Cook County Clerk's website for all Suburban Cook election results.
Chicago Residents
Click the button below to be directed to the Chicago Board of Elections' website for voting information pertaining to all Chicago residents.
Visit Brookfield Zoo now as it will go into hibernation during January and February
Brookfield Zoo is offering a limited reopening (all indoor spaces remain closed) with new guidelines, including reserved timed entry and parking. No tickets will be sold on site. Food, beverage, and gift shop transactions must be via credit/debit card.
Everything you need to know about Cook County
My door is always open . . .
Cook County is responsible for providing essential services in the areas of public safety, public health, the court system, elections, tax assessment and appeals, recording deeds, and managing forest preserves. As an independent-minded member of the Board, I have worked hard to combine fiscal responsibility with social awareness. I am honored to serve the people of the 9th district, which includes: portions of the far northwest side of Chicago; Park Ridge, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Harwood Heights, Mount Prospect, Norridge, River Grove, Rosemont, and Schiller Park; portions of Arlington Heights, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Niles, and Prospect Heights; and unincorporated Norwood Park, Maine, and Wheeling Townships.
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