This City of Chicago sent out the memo below concerning the change to the Vaccination Policy.
Dear Colleagues,
In line with recent changes to CDC Guidance, effective immediately, the City of Chicago will suspend the twice weekly testing requirement under the Vaccination Policy for its employees and contractors, except for employees and contractors in the City’s Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) who are required to test if unvaccinated under the Governor’s Executive Order. The City reserves the right to reinstate testing if recommended by the CDC or CDPH. All other requirements under the City’s Vaccination Policy remain in effect.
Chicago has recently moved to a Medium COVID-19 Risk Level based on metrics for Cook County. As such, while masking is not required, CDPH recommends the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces, including in all City work facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
In addition to wearing a mask while indoors, here are other ways you can protect yourself, your co-workers, your family members, and your community:
- Stay home if you experience any COVID-like symptoms, which include fever, coughing, headache, sore throat, body aches, congestion, shortness of breath, and loss of taste and smell.
- If you experience any COVID-like symptoms, get tested right away. At-home tests are covered by your health insurance.
- Make sure that you are up-to-date with your COVID vaccinations and boosters.
- If you contract COVID or are exposed to someone who has contracted COVID, let your HR liaison know right away and follow the CDC guidelines for isolation and quarantining.
CDPH continues to offer vaccines, including boosters, to any Chicagoan including employees and family members free of charge through the Protect Chicago At Home program. At home vaccine appointments are available on weekdays and weekends in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings by calling 312-746-4385 or visiting Protect Chicago At Home.
Thank you for your continued dedication to keeping each other safe, as well as being respectful of everyone’s choice to either wear or not wear a mask at this time.
Allison Arwady, M.D. Sybil Madison, Ph.D. Christopher Owen
Cmr., Department of Public Health Chief of Staff Cmr., Department of Human Resources
