Latest Guidance
Travel guidance
The latest travel guidance is available on the CDPH Travel Advisory page.
Large Gatherings:
Under the Restore Illinois framework for Phase 5, large-scale events are allowed to operate at full capacity.
Reporting to CDPH
If 5 or more COVID-19 cases are identified at your facility within 14 calendar days of each other, please report to CDPH within 24 hours of identifying. Businesses that are licensed by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) are required to report if: 5 or more cases are identified within 14 days and/or they have closed due to COVID-19 cases. Some congregate settings are also required to report per Public Health Order No. 2020-2. Reports should be submitted via CDPH's confidential online reporting form.
For additional information, including notification of contacts, cleaning and reporting, see CDPH Guidance on what to do when a confirmed COVID-19 has been in your facility.
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, visit the Reopening Businesses Portal.
Employers should not require a sick employee to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or healthcare provider’s note to return to work. Employees with COVID-19 who have stayed home can stop home isolation and return to work when they have met the the following sets of criteria:
- 5 days have passed since symptoms started (or since positive test if never had symptoms)
- No fever for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication, and
- Symptoms are improving
We encourage you to use and share the following resources:
- COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses and Critical Infrastructure (updated May 16, 2022)
- Workplace Guidance Based on Community Level (updated May 16, 2022)
- Self-Authorization Form for Completed COVID-19 Isolation (for employees)
- Safe Workers Return Certificate English | Spanish (for employers and businesses)
- COVID-19 Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Workers (updated December 02, 2021)
Reporting to CDPH
Under Chicago’s March 19 Public Health Order, congregate facilities (such as long-term care facilities, childcare settings, schools, 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 aim to reduce the spread of COVID-19, minimize introductions of COVID-19 and mitigate the severity of COVID-19 in their facilities. For more information, see CDPH's Guidance for Mitigation of COVID-19 in Homeless Shelters and the COVID-19 symptom screening tool.