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Cook County Department of Public Health Mitigation Guidance

State and federal Public Health Emergency Declarations are ending May 11, 2023. You may be wondering what this means for you in terms of access to vaccines, testing, and therapeutics.

Many people in the United States have some protection, or immunity, against COVID-19 due to vaccination, previous infection, or both. This immunity, combined with the availability of tests and treatments, has greatly reduced the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 for many people.

At the same time, some people—such as those who are older, are immunocompromised , have certain disabilities, or have certain underlying health conditions—continue to be at higher risk for serious illness. Learn more about the factors that can affect your risk of getting very sick  from COVID-19 to better understand how COVID-19 could affect you and others around you.

Based on the current CDC guidance, CCDPH recommends:

  • Wearing a mask indoors to protect those at high risk for severe illness from a COVID-19 infection, including adults over the age of 50, those with underlying medical conditions, and the immunocompromised;
  • Socializing outdoors if possible and avoiding poorly ventilated indoor settings;
  • Testing for COVID-19 before attending a family or public event;
  • Requesting treatment for COVID-19 from a medical provider in the event of a COVID-positive diagnosis; and
  • Staying up-to-date with all COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

No CCDPH-issued requirements for mitigation strategies in addition to current state or federal mandates are currently in effect for suburban Cook County.

Masking as part of isolation after infection and quarantine after exposure is still necessary to prevent COVID-19 transmission. This includes in workplaces and schools. CCDPH continues to recommend masking with a well-fitting high-quality mask, such as a KN95 or N95 respirator, for those who are considered at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness (or live or work with high risk individuals) when they are in public indoor spaces or other places where individuals near them may be unvaccinated. Healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities should continue masking in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC guidance.

Vaccines continue to protect people from severe disease and death from COVID-19. To find a vaccination location near you, please visit vaccines.gov or CCDPH’s calendar of vaccine events.

The Illinois State Board of Education , Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and Illinois Department of Public Health have separate guidance. Individuals in schools, day care settings, and educational institutions should continue to guidance issued by those departments.

Establishments previously cited for violation under the Cook County Department of Public Health Mitigation Orders 2020-1 and 2020-2 will be retained by the Department but not listed. Should Orders come back into effect, issued citations will be posted on this webpage.

CCDPH Mitigation Orders

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, several Mitigation Orders and Recommendations have been issued by the Cook County Department of Public Health. The Mitigation Orders can be seen below:

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2022-1

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2022-1 was issued on February 28, 2022, and goes into effect on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 6 a.m. This Order rescinds Mitigation Order 2021-11, which required masking and proof of vaccination in certain settings.

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-11

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-11 was issued on December 23, 2021, amended on January 3, 2022, and goes into effect on January 3, 2022, requiring masking in indoor public spaces and requiring patrons to be fully vaccinated in indoor spaces that serve food and drink for on-premises consumption and in health and fitness centers.

For more information, click the links below:

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-10

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-10 was issued on August 23, 2021 and requires  individuals age 2 and older to wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. 

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-9

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-09 was issued on June 11, 2021 and updates the Mitigation Guidelines to reopening at full capacity.

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-8

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-08 was issued on May 14, 2021 and updates the Mitigation Guidelines capacities to enter the Bridge to Phase 5.

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-7

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-07 was issued on April 30, 2021.

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-6

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-6 was issued on March 26, 2021.

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-5

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-5 was issued on March 2, 2021.

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-4

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-04 was issued on February 16, 2021 and updates the Mitigation Guidelines capacities for Social Settings. increasing indoor dining capacities to the lesser of 40% or 50 people.

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-3

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-3 was issued on February 10, 2021 and updates the Mitigation Guidelines capacities for Social Settings. increasing indoor dining capacities to the lesser of 25% or 50 people.

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-2

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-2 was issued on February 5, 2021 and updates the Mitigation Guidelines capacities for Social Settings

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-1

CCDPH Mitigation Order 2021-01 was issued on February 2, 2021 initiates Phase 4 Mitigation Guidance.

Executive Orders

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, several Executive Orders and Recommendations have been issued by the State of Illinois and Governor Pritzker. The Executive Orders can be viewed here.

Updated April 18, 2023, 5:22 PM

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