Cook County Department of Public Health Officials Gradually Ease Mitigation Measures in Suburban Cook County 

Increased capacity in some sectors reflects cautious approach 

Forest Park, IL—Today, the Cook County Department of Public Health issued COVID-19 Mitigation Order 2021-6, which eases some mitigation measures but continues CCDPH’s cautious approach to reopening in suburban Cook County. 

Effective immediately, Mitigation Order 2021-6 increases outdoor dining to groups of 10 people; amusement parks can open at 25% capacity; and outdoor fitness classes, meetings, social events and recreation activities increase to 50% capacity or 100 people. Additionally, seated spectator events at venues with a capacity less than 200 are limited to 50% and no more than 50 individuals, and venues with capacity more than 200 are limited to 25% capacity. Indoor fitness classes may increase to the lesser of 50% or 50 people per room, as long as face coverings are worn at all times, and a minimum of six feet of physical distancing can be maintained between class participants. 

The Mitigation Order also includes masking language, reinforcing the need for all over two years of age who can medically tolerate wearing masks to do so in public places. 

“We continue to make progress in some of the metrics, however, we have seen a recent increase in cases in suburban Cook County,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, Senior Medical Officer and Co-Lead, Cook County Department of Public Health. “To be able to cautiously reopen businesses, we must continue to protect the safety and health of everyone around us by getting vaccinated when it’s your turn, wearing a mask, watching your social distance and washing your hands.” 

CCDPH and the Stickney Township Public Health District are issuing these mitigation changes in alignment with the Chicago Department of Public Health.   

Visit: https://cookcountypublichealth.org/communicable-diseases/covid-19/mitigationguidance/ to view CCDPH Mitigation Orders.