CHICAGO (WLS) – Chicago has moved to the CDC’s high risk of COVID transmission, along with several counties in the Chicago area.
In the Chicago area, Cook, DuPage, Lake (IL), McHenry, Will and Grundy counties were listed as “high risk” on the CDC map when it was updated Thursday afternoon.
Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, predicted the move earlier in the day.
At a news conference Thursday, Dr. Arwady said moving to the high-risk level means everyone should wear a mask inside, but did not ask for a mask warrant. Arwady said the city would consider launching a mask warrant if the hospital system is stressed with the cases.
Arwady said moving to high risk means residents should make sure they are aware of COVID booster vaccinations.
The average number of cases in the city is more than 1,000 a day, but Dr. Arwady said there are indications that they are stagnating.
In addition to wearing a mask indoors, Arwady said residents should avoid crowded indoor meetings, limit meetings to a small number, and test immediately if you have symptoms.
Anyone who tests positive is asked to isolate themselves for five days, and if they feel better, they can go in public in a mask for the next five days.
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