COVID-19 Orders


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COVID-19 Orders

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Illinois Open Meetings Act & the End of the State COVID-19 Disaster Proclamation

Issued and Effective: May 11, 2023

The Illinois Open Meetings Act (OMA) is a state law that requires meetings of public bodies be open to the public. Under Section 7 of the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/7), meetings can be held by audio or video conference, instead of in person, only if a number of conditions are met, including that “the Governor or the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a disaster declaration related to public health concerns.”

With the end of the state emergency related to COVID-19 on May 11, 2023, public body meetings will again need to be held in person rather than by audio or video conference. For example, all City Council hearings and public board meetings will need to resume in-person.

Read a summary of these changes, frequently asked questions and links to additional resources pertaining to the OMA:  IL OMA 05.11.23


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-2 (SEVENTH AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Duties of Hospitals, Other Congregate Facilities and Business Establishments

Issued and Effective: January 1, 2023

This order establishes protocols for acute care facilities and hospitals in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The protocols include policies for reducing personal protective equipment waste, safety restrictions on hospital visitors, monitoring employees for symptoms of COVID-19, and COVID-19 reporting requirements. The amended order permits all acute care hospitals to implement visitor restrictions based on CDPH requirements, which may be periodically updated and distributed via the Health Alert Network based on community risk level. The order continues to require congregate facilities to report clusters of COVID-19 patients. 

Read the full order No. 2020-2


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-4 - Medical Data-Sharing Requirements (Second Amended and Re-issued)

Issued and Effective on February 24, 2022

This order requires health care providers within the City of Chicago to provide to the Chicago Department of Public Health data on COVID-19-related testing, vaccinations, clinical care, and treatments.

Read the full order No. 2020-4 and guidance.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2021-2 - Proof of Vaccination in Public Places (Fourth Amended and Re-issued)

Issued on December 21, 2021, amended on January 26, 2022, effective January 26, 2022

This order requires any individual 5 years of age or older to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enjoy entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. Read the full order No. 2021-2.

Repealed: February 28, 2022

The Commissioner of Health has concluded that this order can safely be repealed because the threat to public health posed by COVID-19 has diminished.

Read the repealer here.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2021-1 - Masks Required Indoors in Public Places

Issued and Effective: August 20, 2021

This order requires any individual, regardless of vaccination status, who is age two or older and able to medically tolerate a mask (a paper, fabric or cloth filter that securely covers the nose and mouth) to wear a mask indoors in any public place. Read the full order No. 2021-1.

Repealed: February 28, 2022

The Commissioner of Health has concluded the this order can safely be repealed because the threat to public health posed by COVID-19 has diminished.

Read the repealer here.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-2 (FIFTH AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Duties of Hospitals, Other Congregate Facilities and Business Establishments

Issued and Effective: June 30, 2021

This order establishes protocols for acute care facilities and hospitals in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The protocols include policies for reducing personal protective equipment waste, safety restrictions on hospital visitors, monitoring employees for symptoms of COVID-19, and COVID-19 reporting requirements. The amended order permits all acute care hospitals to implement visitor restrictions based on CDPH requirements, which may be periodically updated and distributed via the Health Alert Network based on community risk level. The order continues to require congregate facilities to report clusters of COVID-19 patients. 

Read the full order No. 2020-2


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-9 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED):

Issued and Effective: June 11, 2021

This order no longer requires bars or taverns that do not serve food to partner with a licensed retail food establishment to offer food to patrons.

Read the full order No. 2020-9.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-5 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Cessation of Alcoholic Liquor Sales 

Issued and Effective: May 18, 2021

This order no longer provides restrictions on bars and restaurants during standard hours and permits late hour liquor licensees to operate without restriction for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began if only vaccinated patrons are permitted to enter during late hours. Liquor stores must continue to cease sales of liquor after 11 PM.

Read the full order No. 2020-5.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-9: Bridge Phase (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED)

Issued and Effective: May 18, 2021

This order outlines adjustments for the Bridge Phase of reopening. It includes loosened restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals and follows the CDC and State of Illinois guidance regarding masks.

Read the full order No. 2020-9.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-5 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Cessation of Alcoholic Liquor Sales 

Issued and Effective: March 2, 2021

This order requires the closure of all liquor stores by 11 pm. Restaurants and bars must close by 1 am (there is no separate curfew for the sale of alcohol). This order ensures that there are no congregations of people that could result in increased transmission of COVID-19.

Read the full order No. 2020-5.


UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 2020-4: Medical Data Sharing Requirements (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED)

Issued and Effective: January 15, 2021

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) released updated guidance to address questions regarding the minimal standards and timeframe to meet Public Health Order 2020-4 which requires acute and long term hospitals to provide CDPH access to electronic health records for the purposes of collecting essential data on patients tested for COVID-19. CDPH is defining May 6, 2020, as the date by which the minimal standards for reporting should be in place. The most recent technical guidance on data transmission to meet this Public Health order is linked below, and can be found at the CDPH HAN page. Additionally, CDPH provided clarity for all healthcare providers regarding necessary data to be collected and submitted with all COVID-19 tests.

Read the full order 2020-4 and guidance.


STAY-AT-HOME-ADVISORY (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED)

Issued and Effective: January 20, 2021

The Stay-at-Home Advisory has been extended, and the Travel Order policy has been updated in response to new CDC guidelines.

Read the full Stay-at-Home Advisory.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-5 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Cessation of Alcoholic Liquor Sales 

Issued and Effective: January 31, 2021

This order maintains the closure of all liquor stores at 9 p.m., but it permits restaurants and bars to sell liquor as late as 11 p.m. (with establishment closures by 12:00 a.m.). This order ensures that there are no congregations of people that could result in increased transmission of COVID-19.

Read the full order No. 2020-5. 


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-11: Non-essential Business Curfew

Repealed January 31, 2021

The order imposing a business curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for all non-essential businesses is repealed.

Read the repealer for No. 2020-11.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-2 (FOURTH-AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Duties of Hospitals, Other Congregate Facilities and Business Establishments

Issued and Effective: December 16, 2020

This order establishes protocols for acute care facilities and hospitals in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The protocols include policies for reducing personal protective equipment waste, safety restrictions on hospital visitors, monitoring employees for symptoms of COVID-19, and COVID-19 reporting requirements. The amended order permits all acute care hospitals to implement visitor restrictions based on CDPH requirements, which may be periodically updated and distributed via the Health Alert Network based on community risk level. The order continues to require congregate facilities to report clusters of COVID-19 patients. 

Read the full order No. 2020-2


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-9: Phase IV: Gradually Resume (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED)

Issued and Effective: November 20, 2020

This order cites Governor Pritzker's Executive Order, 2020-64, includes new Section 8 specifying a restrictive rule imposed by the Governor supersedes a city rule, and simplifies the definition of ""Prohibited Gatherings" in Attachment A.

Read the full order No. 2020-9.


STAY-AT HOME-ADVISORY (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED)

Issued and Effective November 20, 2020

Under this amended Stay-at-Home Advisory, Sections 3 and 7 were adjusted to maintain consistency with the Governor’s latest Mitigation Measures.

Read the full Stay-at-Home Advisory.


STAY-AT HOME-ADVISORY

Issued: November 12; Effective: November 16, 2020

Beginning on Monday, November 16, 2020, residents are advised to stay at home in response to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the city and only leave home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up take-out food, or receiving deliveries. Additionally, residents are strongly advised to not have guests in their homes, cancel traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, and avoid travel. The advisory also outlines additional COVID-19 alerts and regulations such as further limitations on indoor and outdoor meetings and social events, increased enforcement of limits on private gatherings, and continues industry restrictions.

Read the full Stay-at-Home Advisory.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-10 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONS ENTERING CHICAGO FROM HIGH INCIDENCE STATES

Issued and Effective November 10, 2020

Under this amended Emergency Travel Order, states will be placed in three categories – red, orange and yellow – based on the status of the outbreak in the states and how the data compares to the situation in Chicago.

Read the full order 2020-10.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-11 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Non-essential Business Curfew

Issued and Effective October 30, 2020

Under this order, a business curfew will be in effect from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for all non-essential businesses.

Read the full order No 2020-11.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-5 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Evening Cessation of Alcoholic Liquor Sales

Issued and Effective October 30, 2020

This order maintains the closure of all liquor stores at 9pm, but it permits restaurants and bars to sell liquor as late as 11:00 p.m. This order ensures that there are no congregations of people that could result in increased transmission of COVID-19.

Read the full order No. 2020-5


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-11: Non-essential Business Curfew

Issued and Effective October 23, 2020

This order outlines a re-tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in response to a recent, rapid rise in cases and hospitalizations. Under this order, a business curfew will be in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for all non-essential businesses, and bars without a retail food license will no longer be able to serve customers indoors. All Chicagoans are being asked to avoid social gatherings of more than six people and end all social gatherings by 10:00 p.m.

Read the full order No 2020-11.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-9: Phase IV: Gradually Resume

Issued and Effective: October 1, 2020

This order outlines adjustments to the Phase IV: Gradually Resume guidelines for Chicago establishments.  Under the order, businesses remain open with adjusted capacities, as long as they follow mask-wearing, social distancing, and other requirements. The order also maintains the Lakefront closure, and requires businesses with COVID-19 outbreaks to report these to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Read the full order No. 2020-9


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-5 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Cessation of Alcoholic Liquor Sales

Issued and Effective: October 1, 2020

This order maintains the closure of all liquor stores at 9pm, but it permits restaurants and bars to sell liquor as late as 1am (with establishment closures by 1:30am). This order ensures that there are no congregations of people that could result in increased transmission of COVID-19.

Read the full order No. 2020-5


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-2 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Duties of Hospitals, Other Congregate Facilities and Business Establishments

Issued and Effective: October 1, 2020

This order establishes protocols for acute care facilities and hospitals in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The protocols include policies for reducing personal protective equipment waste, safety restrictions on hospital visitors, monitoring employees for symptoms of COVID-19, and COVID-19 reporting requirements. The amended order permits hospitals to implement their own limited visitor policies taking into consideration local disease epidemiology. The amended order also clarifies reporting requirements for acute care hospitals located in the City.

The order requires congregate facilities to report clusters of COVID-19 patients. The amended order imposes a reporting requirement for all businesses and establishments licensed under Title 4 of the municipal code to report to CDPH any suspension in operations due to COVID-19 cases among employees or patrons, or any instance in which the business learns that five or more employees or patrons have tested positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day period. 

Read the full order No. 2020-2


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-10: Quarantine Restrictions on Persons Entering Chicago from High Case-Rate States

Issued: July 2, 2020

In response to increased and high rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain states within the United States, and to add to Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., issued an Emergency Travel Order directing travelers entering or returning to Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for a period of 14 days. The order applies to states that have a case rate greater than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 resident population, per day, over a 7- day rolling average.

Read the full order No. 2020-10 or see these Frequently Asked Questions.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-9: Phase IV: Gradually Resume

Issued and Effective: July 24, 2020

This order cautiously reopens Chicago’s businesses.  Under the order, businesses may reopen, as long as they follow mask-wearing, social distancing, and other requirements.  The order also maintains the Lakefront closure.

Read the full order No. 2020-9.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-5 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Cessation of Alcoholic Liquor Sales 

Issued and Effective: July 10, 2020

This order maintains the closure of all liquor stores at 9 pm, but it permits restaurants to sell liquor as late as 11 pm. This order ensures that there are no congregations of people that could result in increased transmission of COVID-19.

Read the full order No. 2020-5.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-2 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Removing Requirement to Check Staff for COVID-19 Symptoms at the End of Shift

Issued and Effective: June 1, 2020

On March 19, 2020, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, Dr. Arwady, issued required protocols for acute care facilities and hospitals in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The protocols included policies for reducing personal protective equipment waste, safety restrictions on hospital visitors, checking employees for symptoms of COVID-19 at the beginning and end of each shift, COVID-19 reporting requirements, and the postponement of elective surgeries and medical procedures. On May 12, 2020, Order 2020-2 was amended to remove the requirement that elective surgeries and medical procedures be postponed.

This second amended order removes the requirement to check employees for symptoms of COVID-19 at the end of each shift but maintains the requirement to check staff at the start of each shift. The remainder of the requirements in the May 12, 2020 amended order are retained, until such time as the Commissioner determines the threat to public health posed by COVID-19 has diminished to the point that they can be repealed.

Read the Full Second Amended Order 2020-2.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-3 (SECOND AMENDED AND REISSUED): Applying Governor's Stay-at-Home Executive Order

Issued and Effective: May 29, 2020

This amended order extends the stay at home order and requires all Chicago parks, beaches, and trails on and adjacent to the Lakefront, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Bloomingdale Trail (the 606) to remain closed until June 3, 2020. People can go out for a walk or a jog but they must maintain at least six feet distance from others. In addition, the order prohibits boating and gatherings of more than ten people.

Read the full order No. 2020-3.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-2 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Permitting Elective Surgeries and Medical Procedures

Issued and Effective: May 12, 2020

On March 19, 2020, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, Dr. Arwady, issued required protocols for acute care facilities and hospitals in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The protocols included policies for reducing personal protective equipment waste, safety restrictions on hospital visitors, monitoring employees for symptoms of COVID-19, COVID-19 reporting requirements, and the postponement of elective surgeries and medical procedures.

This amended order removes the requirement that elective surgeries and medical procedures be postponed. The remainder of the requirements in the original order are retained, until the Commissioner determines the threat to public health posed by COVID-19 has diminished to the point that they can be repealed.

Read the full order No. 2020-2.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-7: Short-Term Residential Rental Intermediaries

Issued and Effective: May 8, 2020

This order requires short-term residential rental intermediaries (like Airbnb and Homeaway) to provide the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection information on rental reservations (such as the addresses of rented properties and the number of guests) at least twice weekly. Additionally, each reservation through an intermediary must share the text of Governor Pritzker’s Stay At Home Order and obtain acknowledgement from renting customers that they understand parties and other social gatherings at rental properties may be prohibited by the Governor’s Stay At Home Order, violations of which can result in fines of up to $3,000 and arrest. Violators of Order shall be subject to further action, which may include financial penalties, arrest, or closure of the intermediary during the term of the Order.

Read the full order No. 2020-7.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-3 (AMENDED AND RE-ISSUED): Applying Governor’s Stay-at-Home Executive Order

Issued and Effective: May 1, 2020

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined Governor JB Pritzker to order all Chicagoans and Illinoisans to stay at home through at least May 30, 2020. This is essential to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in our city, and to protect our friends, neighbors, and vulnerable Chicagoans. Effective May 1, here’s what you need to know and do: 

  • You are required to stay at home except for essential needs, such as getting groceries once a week or seeking medical care. 
  • When you must go out in public, you should always stay 6 feet away from others. If social distancing is not possible, wear a face covering.
  • You can go outside for brief walks, runs, or bike rides, or to walk your pet, but you can’t gather in groups of 10 or more. That includes no group sports like basketball or soccer. 

This order is mandatory – not suggested guidance. We are counting on your good judgment to decide when it is essential to go out. The City of Chicago and Chicago Police Department will enforce the order as needed to keep people safe, including disbursing large groups who are gathered in public places. 

Read the full order No. 2020-3.


UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 2020-4: Medical Data Sharing Requirements

Issued and Effective: April 29, 2020

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) released updated guidance to address questions regarding the minimal standards and timeframe to meet Public Health Order 2020-4 which requires acute and long term hospitals to provide CDPH access to electronic health records for the purposes of collecting essential data on patients tested for COVID-19. CDPH is defining May 6, 2020, as the date by which the minimal standards for reporting should be in place. The most recent technical guidance on data transmission to meet this Public Health order is linked below, and can be found at the CDPH HAN page. Additionally, CDPH provided clarity for all healthcare providers regarding necessary data to be collected and submitted with all COVID-19 tests.

Read the full order 2020-4.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 2020-6: Information Regarding COVID-19 Testing Facilities

Issued and effective: April 29, 2020

As more organizations are testing for COVID-19, CDPH has identified that not all testing sites are fulfilling public health reporting requirements. Further, not all sites are connected to electronic laboratory reporting (ELR), or I-NEDSS, limiting the ability to report COVID-19 tested patients to public health. Testing sites perform a crucial function, and timely reporting is essential for productive contact tracing, and prompt guidance on isolation and quarantine. As such, CDPH has issued public health order 2020-6 requiring all providers and organizations offering testing to update their websites in machine readable formats which will enable CDPH to identify sites offering testing. Additionally, entities that are not reporting through I-NEDSS need to notify CDPH via email of the location of testing and type of test offered at: covid19pui@cityofchicago.org.

Read the full order 2020-6.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-5: Cessation of Alcoholic Liquor Sales

Issued and Effective: April 8, 2020

To minimize individuals from congregating near liquor stores during the Stay at Home Order, the order sets a curfew for all liquor sales to 9 p.m. each evening. Every liquor store must post signs on each entrance of their store and in areas where alcohol is sold to let people know of the 9 p.m. sales curfew. This curfew can be enforced by the Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Local Liquor Control Commissioner, and the Chicago Police Department.

Read the full order No. 2020-5.


EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 2020-2: Protecting Immigrant and Refugee Communities

Issued and Effective: April 7, 2020

The City is providing numerous aid opportunities to its residents, including a $2 million COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant to cover rent for people affected by the pandemic, a $100 million Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund to offer assistance to small businesses, and an Online Enrichment Learning Resource through Chicago Public Schools to provide all students access to educational opportunities. The order requires that these opportunities, as well as any other relief programs administered by the City, should be fairly available to all residents, regardless of their citizenship status.

Read the full order No. 2020-2.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-4: Medical Data Sharing Requirements

Issued and Effective: April 6, 2020

This order requires hospitals within the City of Chicago to provide CDPH with access to electronic health records, while taking steps to protect patient confidentiality, to help CDPH in its effort to stop the disease. The information includes patient impact and hospital capacity elements, as well as patient information specified by demographic.

Read the full order No. 2020-4.


PUBIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-3: Applying Governor’s Stay-at-Home Executive Order

Issued and Effective: March 26, 2020

This order closes of all Chicago parks, beaches, and trails on and adjacent to the Lakefront, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Bloomingdale Trail (the 606). People can go out for a walk or a jog but they must maintain at least six feet distance from others. Sports like basketball or soccer will not be allowed because of the closeness to other players. Any get-togethers of more than ten people in public or at home are also not allowed. The Police Department will help in making sure that people are following the rules.

Read the full order in English, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-2: Duties of Hospitals and Other Congregate Facilities

Issued and Effective: March 19, 2020

This order directed hospitals to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic through several actions. First, the order requires all hospitals and clinics to monitor the amount and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles, masks, and gloves to ensure that PPE is not wasted. Second, the order instructs hospitals to postpone non-emergency surgeries. Additionally, the order attempts to limit the transmission of COVID-19 by limiting when people can access hospitals and visit patients. Finally, the order requires that the hospital check employees for the symptoms of COVID-19 at the beginning and end of each shift. At the same time, all schools, jails, prisons, halfway houses, and all persons allowed to work with children and seniors will let CDPH know of any known cases of COVID-19 in their location. Because of this, all facilities need to have a person who is responsible for writing these reports to CDPH within 24 hours of learning about the group.

Read the full order No. 2020-2.


PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER No. 2020-1: Shelter in Place for COVID-19 Illness

Issued and Effective: March 18, 2020

This order tells people who are sick with COVID-19 symptoms to stay at home. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Any person who is sick must stay home and not go out, except to seek emergency medical care. Under the order, any person who previously had COVID-19 symptoms can only leave the house only after until 7 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared and until they have been fever free for at least 3 days without the use of medicine. The order emphasizes that people who are sick should separate themselves from other people, including any other family members at home.

Read the full order No. 2020-1.