Latest Guidance

All Chicago residents must comply with Governor Pritzker’s March 20 Stay at Home Executive Order. Everyone should stay home as much as possible, only leave home for essential tasks, and always practice social distancing and good hand hygiene. Everyone should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if they’re sick. For more information, see How to Protect Yourself.

Older adults and people with severe chronic conditions should take extra precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. For more information, see CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk.

Large or Extended Families - If your household includes people in these high-risk groups, then all family members should act as if they, themselves, are at higher risk. Follow these CDC tips and Guidance for Large or Extended Families Living in the Same Household to protect those who are most vulnerable in your household.

Children - While children are not considered at high risk, they may have mild illness or not show symptoms, they can still spread the disease to others. It's important to follow CDC's recommendation for keeping children healthy while school's out.

Sick Individuals – Under Chicago’s March 18 Public Health Order, everyone who is sick with COVID-19 symptoms must stay home and self-isolate. For more information, see What to Do if You’re Sick.

Exposed Individuals – Individuals who feel healthy but recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after their last exposure. Check your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms of COVID-19. Follow CDPH guidance on steps to protect yourself and others.

Critical Infrastructure Workers – Critical infrastructure workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 can continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, as long as they don’t develop any COVID-19 symptoms. See CDPH Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Workers.

Businesses and Employers need to consider how best to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and lower the impact in their workplace. For more information, see CDPH’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers.

Food Service– All bars and restaurants in the state of Illinois will be closed to the public until further notice. Delivery, drive-thru and carry out are permitted.

Grocery Stores – All grocery stores in Illinois should implement social distancing and other preventative actions to protect their staff and customers. For more information, see IDPH Guidance for Grocery Stores.

Congregate Settings - Under Chicago’s March 19 Public Health Order, congregate facilities (such as long-term care facilities, childcare settings, correctional facilities, etc.) must immediately report to CDPH clusters of COVID-19 patients, defined as two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 occurring within 14 calendar days of each other at the facility. To report positive cases, please complete the COVID-19 Online Case Report Form.

Congregate Living Facilities should implement universal masking policy and enhanced environmental cleaning. For more information, see CDPH Guidance for Congregate Living Facilities.

Homeless Shelters should screen all clients for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors. Staff can use the CDPH COVID-19 screening tool. For more information, see CDPH’s Guidance for Homeless Shelters.

Childcare Facilities – Childcare programs that remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic should implement social distancing strategies, intensify cleaning and disinfection efforts, modify drop off and pick up procedures and maintain an adequate ratio of staff to children to ensure safety. For more information, see CDC guidance for childcare programs.