COVID-19 INFORMATION

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT — LET’S TALK ABOUT IT

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April 26, 2021

April 22, 2021

April 19, 2021

April 14, 2021

April 7, 2021

April 2, 2021

March 30, 2021

March 29, 2021

March 26, 2021

March 15, 2021

February 23, 2021

February 17, 2021

February 12, 2021

February 1, 2021

January 29, 2021

January 27, 2021

Dear CDA team–

Commissioner Rhee and I are as eager as anyone to turn the page on 2020, but we wanted to make sure to take a moment to recognize CDA’s remarkable successes during an unprecedented year: O’Hare and Midway remained among the busiest airports in the world, and despite the industrywide slowdown in air travel, it appears as though more cargo was processed through our airports than ever before. This includes vaccines and other supplies that will ultimately allow life to return to normal. Nonetheless, we must all continue to step up and do our part in practicing good preventative COVID behavior to stop the spread of the virus: always wear a face covering, maintain social distance (six feet or more), and wash your hands frequently. Additionally, if you feel sick, please stay home. We value all of our team members and want you healthy at work while keeping your coworkers safe and healthy on the job.

Since our last communication, five additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, there have been 188 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 154 at O’Hare and 34 at Midway. As of today, 147 of these individuals have returned to work.

The City remains under a modified Stay-at-Home advisory, and residents are advised to leave home only to attend work or school, or to fulfill essential needs, such as going to the grocery store or to receive medical care. Residents are further encouraged to avoid in-person celebrations and gatherings. For more information about the disease and what the City is doing to limit its spread, please visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus. For the latest information from the CDC, visit cdc.gov/covid19.

Because of you, Chicago’s airports continue to excel. You are the backbone that makes this operation work, and the Commissioner and I are incredibly proud of the CDA team.

Thank you for all you do, and best wishes for continued safety and good health in the New Year.

Andrew

Andrew Velasquez III

First Deputy Commissioner

January 26, 2021

January 25, 2021

January 19, 2021

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, we are reporting that since our last communication, seven additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, there have been 183 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 151 at O’Hare and 32 at Midway. As of today, 142 of these individuals have returned to work.

These figures — as well as those seen around the country — indicate that we remain in a dangerous stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. While numbers are improving in Chicago and across Illinois, this is no time to let up. Those of us in positions of public trust – and on the front lines of essential services – must lead by example. Our CDA Safety, Security and Emergency Management team would like to reinforce the following:

Travel (both domestic and international) should only be undertaken for essential purposes. The CDC advises anyone who has traveled internationally to get tested within three to five days of their return, and to stay home for seven days. They should stay home for 10 days if they don’t get tested. As a precaution, travelers should avoid being around people who are at increased risk of severe illness for 14 days, regardless of test status.
DO NOT COME TO WORK IF FEELING SICK.
A face covering is not a substitute for maintaining appropriate social distance. Whenever possible, a mask should be worn AND appropriate social distancing (at least 6 feet) should be maintained.

Please note that in accordance with City of Chicago policy, a face covering must be worn when entering a City facility, and in all common areas within these facilities — including Building 804 and the H&R Plant. When outside (or in a vehicle), a face covering must be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained — and should be worn regardless. A mask is not a substitute for appropriate social distancing. Furthermore, all CDA employees must continue to wear a mask at all times while in the terminals.

Thank you for all you do, and best wishes for safety and good health in the New Year.

Andrew

Andrew Velasquez III

First Deputy Commissioner

January 19, 2021

January 11, 2021

January 6, 2021

January 5, 2021

December 28, 2020

Dear CDA team–

Commissioner Rhee and I hope each of you has been able to take some time out to enjoy this holiday season with family and loved ones – even if those celebrations have been virtual instead of in person. To put it mildly, this has been a challenging year, but we can take pride in the work we do to provide safe and efficient travel for essential purposes, as well as the movement of goods around the world. Our airports are always open, and it takes a dedicated team to make that possible.

Since our last communication, three additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, there have been 159 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 137 at O’Hare and 22 at Midway. As of today, 134 of these individuals have returned to work. There continues to be a nationwide surge of COVID cases; the Chicago area has been hit hard. Those of us in positions of public trust – and on the front lines of essential services – must lead by example. Our CDA Safety, Security and Emergency Management team would like to reinforce the following:

DO NOT COME TO WORK IF FEELING SICK.

A face covering is not a substitute for maintaining appropriate social distance. Whenever possible, a mask should be worn AND appropriate social distance (at least 6 feet) should be maintained.

Please note that in accordance with City of Chicago policy, a face covering must be worn when entering a City facility – and in all common areas within these facilities – including Building 804 and the H&R Plant. When outside (or in a vehicle), a face covering must be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained, and should be worn regardless. A mask is not a substitute for appropriate social distancing. Furthermore, all CDA employees must continue to wear a mask at all times while in the terminals.

For more information about the disease and what the City is doing to limit its spread, please visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus. For the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit cdc.gov/covid19.

Thank you for all you do, and best wishes for safety and good health in the new year.

Andrew

Andrew Velasquez III

First Deputy Commissioner

December 24, 2020

Dear CDA team–

This holiday season, we are looking back on what has been by any measure a challenging year, while also approaching 2021 with some optimism that better days are ahead. The preliminary returns on the first COVID vaccines are promising, and the entire aviation industry — of which we are a key hub — has mobilzed to ensure these vaccines are distributed across the country, and the globe. It’s exciting, and I hope you are as proud of the Chicago airport community as I am.

Nevertheless, the short-term situation continues to be dangerous, and we must remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 — particulary during the holidays and cold-weather months ahead. Despite the promise of the vaccines, the coronavirus will be with us for some time to come.

Since our last communication, six additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, there have been 156 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 134 at O’Hare and 22 at Midway. As of today, 131 of these individuals have returned to work. There continues to be a nationwide surge of COVID cases, the Chicgao area has been hit hard. Those of us in positions of public trust — and on the front lines of essential services — must lead by example. Our CDA Safety, Security and Emergency Management team would like to reinforce the following:

DO NOT COME TO WORK IF FEELING SICK.

A face covering is not a substitute for maintaining appropriate social distance. Whenever possible, a mask should be worn AND appropriate social distance (at least 6 feet) should be maintained.

The City remains under a modified Stay-at-Home advisory, and residents are advised to leave home only to attend work or school, or to fulfill essential needs, such as going to the grocery store or to receive medical care. Residents are further encouraged to cancel traditional holiday celebrations and gatherings this year. For more information about the disease and what the City is doing to limit its spread, please visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus. For the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit cdc.gov/covid19.

Thank you for all you do, and my best wishes to all of you for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.

Jamie

December 23, 2020

December 22, 2020

December 16, 2020

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, we are reporting that since our last communication, three additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, there have been 150 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 128 at O’Hare and 22 at Midway. As of today, 125 of these individuals have returned to work. The City and larger region remained mired in a surge of COVID cases, and even as vaccinations begin to be available, this remains a very serious and dangerous situation. Those of us in positions of public trust — and on the front lines of essential services — must lead by example. Our CDA Safety, Security and Emergency Management team would like to reinforce the following:

DO NOT COME TO WORK IF FEELING SICK.

A face covering is not a substitute for maintaining appropriate social distance. Whenever possible, a mask should be worn AND appropriate social distance (at least 6 feet) should be maintained.

Please note that in accordance with City of Chicago policy, a face covering must be worn when entering a City facility, and in all common areas within these facilities – including Building 804 and the H&R Plant. When outside (or in a vehicle), a face covering must be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained — and should be worn regardless. A mask is not a substitute for appropriate social distancing. Furthermore, all CDA employees must continue to wear a mask at all times while in the terminals.

Thank you for all you do.

Andrew

Andrew Velasquez III

First Deputy Commissioner

December 14, 2020

December 11, 2020

December 8, 2020

Dear CDA team–

If these messages seem increasingly urgent in tone, that is not an accident. By nearly every measure, the COVID-19 pandemic has reached its most dangerous point yet during this second surge, and it is critical that we remain vigilant and take every precaution to protect ourselves and our loved ones. This is a very serious situation, and those of us in positions of public trust — and on the front lines of essential services — must lead by example. Our CDA Safety, Security and Emergency Management team would like to reinforce the following: a face covering is not a substitute for maintaining appropriate social distance. Whenever possible, a mask should be worn AND appropriate social distance (at least 6 feet) should be maintained. And critically: DO NOT COME TO WORK IF FEELING SICK.

Since our last report, the CDA community continues to experience an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in line with regional trends. Overall, there have been 144 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 123 at O’Hare and 21 at Midway. As of today, 90 of these individuals have returned to work.

Please note that in accordance with City of Chicago policy, a face covering must be worn when entering a City facility, and in all common areas within these facilities – including Building 804 and the H&R Plant. When outside (or in a vehicle), a face covering must be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained — and should be worn regardless. A mask is not a substitute for appropriate social distancing. Furthermore, all CDA employees must continue to wear a mask at all times while in the terminals.

As of Monday, 11/16, the City if Chicago has implemented a 30-day citywide stay-at-home advisory. All residents are advised to leave home only to go to work or school; for essential needs such as seeking medical care; going to the grocery store or pharmacy; picking up food; or receiving deliveries. If you do leave home, you must always wear a face covering and practice social distancing. The State of Illinois has also imposed Tier 3 resurgence mitigation measures, which are detailed here: https://covid19-illinoisgov.cs32.force.com/coronavirus/s/restore-illinois-mitigation-plan.

Thank you for all you do.

Andrew

Andrew Velasquez III

First Deputy Commissioner

December 7, 2020

December 5, 2020

Dear CDA team–

By almost every measure, the COVID-19 pandemic has reached its most dangerous point yet during this second surge, and I implore you to remain vigilant and take every precaution to protect yourselves and your loved ones. This is a very serious situation, and those of us in positions of public trust — and on the front lines of essential services — must lead by example. Our CDA Safety, Security and Emergency Management team would like to reinforce the following: a face covering is not a substitute for maintaining appropriate social distance. Whenever possible, a mask should be worn AND appropriate social distance (at least 6 feet) should be maintained. And critically: DO NOT COME TO WORK IF FEELING SICK.

Since our last report, the CDA community continues to experience an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in line with regional trends. Overall, there have been 134 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 114 at O’Hare and 20 at Midway. As of today, 88 of these individuals have returned to work.

Please note that in accordance with City of Chicago policy, a face covering must be worn when entering a City facility, and in all common areas within these facilities – including Building 804 and the H&R Plant. When outside (or in a vehicle), a face covering must be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained — and should be worn regardless. A mask is not a substitute for appropriate social distancing. Furthermore, all CDA employees must continue to wear a mask at all times while in the terminals.

Thank you for all you do.

Jamie

December 4, 2020

December 2, 2020

November 24, 2020

November 23, 2020

November 20, 2020

November 18, 2020

November 17, 2020

November 16, 2020

November 12, 2020

November 9, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 2, 2020

October 29, 2020

October 26, 2020

October 23, 2020

October 19, 2020

October 17, 2020

October 16, 2020

October 15, 2020

October 14, 2020

October 13, 2020

October 7, 2020

September 29, 2020

September 25, 2020

September 16, 2020

September 15, 2020

September 11, 2020

September 8, 2020

September 4, 2020

August 30, 2020

August 26, 2020

Emergency Travel Order Update

Last month, the Chicago Department of Public Health 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 14-day period from the time of last contact within the state. This included both Chicago residents returning from travel to a designated state, and travelers arriving in Chicago from a designated state.

The list of designated states is updated every Tuesday and goes into effect that Friday. As of this Friday, August 28^th, the following states and U.S. territory will be covered under the Emergency Travel Order: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas. Additional information on the Emergency Travel Order, as well as the regularly updated list of designated states, can be found here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html.

City employees, like all residents and visitors, are subject to the Emergency Travel Order. If an employee travels to a designated state, they are required to quarantine for 14 days upon return. The following guidelines apply to City employees returning from travel to a designated state:

If an employee’s position allows them to telework, they should continue teleworking as normal during the quarantine period.
For employees who cannot telework:
- If the employee was traveling before the Tuesday that the state was added to the list of designated states and returns to Chicago within 1 week of that designation, quarantine time will be covered under the COVID-19 Sick Leave Policy Addendum, which means that the employees will not have to use his or her time to cover the quarantine.
- If the employee began their travel after the Tuesday that the state was added to the list of designated states or does not return within 1 week of that designation, the employee may use leave time granted under federal regulations related to COVID-19 if the employee is eligible for such leave, or their own benefit time, including regular sick or vacation time, to cover the quarantine.
If you need to travel for emergency reasons, such as medical treatment or a family funeral, you should notify your HR staff of the need to travel prior to traveling and provide reasonable documentation supporting the need for the travel. In such cases, your quarantine time may be covered under the COVID-19 Sick Leave Policy Addendum.

Please contact your department’s HR staff with any questions.

Thank you for your continued compliance with the Emergency Travel Order and for all your efforts to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

August 20, 2020

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, we are reporting that since our last communication, two additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, there have been 55 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 50 at O’Hare and five at Midway. As of today, 48 of these individuals have returned to work.

I also want to provide an update on the City’s emergency travel order. Anyone coming or returning to Chicago from a state with a high incidence of COVID-19 must self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. Nineteen states and Puerto Rico are currently subject to the order. Wisconsin is no longer on the list. Please note: Any City employee traveling to any of these states for work purposes will be considered essential and exempt from the order. Any City employee traveling for personal reasons, with the exception of medical care or parental shared custody, will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. For more information on the emergency travel order, visit HERE.

I also want to reiterate our policy on wearing a face covering. In accordance with City of Chicago policy, a face covering must be worn when entering a City facility, and in all common areas within these facilities — including Building 804. Furthermore, all CDA employees must continue to wear a mask at all times while in the terminals. The City of Chicago and state of Illinois have made tremendous progress against COVID–19, but now is not the time to let down our guard. The broader airport community, not to mention the traveling public, looks to us for guidance, and wearing a mask sends the signal that we’re serious about their health and safety. Please take this opportunity to set a good example and provide a measure of reassurance to those who use our airports.

CDA has and will continue to prioritize and invest both in workplace safety and employee peace of mind. Here is what else you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well-being of our airport communities, including contractors, vendors and airport partners. With any confirmed COVID-19 case, and in coordination with CDPH, a risk assessment, contact tracing and a cleaning/mitigation protocol is initiated. At this time we do not believe any other CDA personnel were in prolonged close contact with these individuals. Should that change, anyone so identified will be contacted directly via a separate communication. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more.
Per CDPH recommendation, the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, if appropriate. Additionally and per guidance from the Chicago Department of Assets, Information and Services (AIS), CDA has instituted a system-wide cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
According to CDPH, there continues to be community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread remains to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, practicing social distancing, and wearing a face covering.
The City of Chicago has reached Stage IV of its reopening plan. For more information about the reopening plan and what must happen before transitioning to the next phase, visit HERE.

For more information about the disease and what the City is doing to limit its spread, please visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus. For information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit cdc.gov/covid19.

Thank you for all you do.

Andrew

Andrew Velasquez III

First Deputy Commissioner

August 17, 2020

August 7, 2020

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, we are reporting today that three additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, there have been 53 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 48 at O’Hare and five at Midway. As of today, 47 of these individuals have returned to work.

I also want to provide an update on the City’s new policy restricting access to the airports, which went into effect last week. In an effort to maintain the safest and most secure airport environment for travelers and employees, access to the terminals at both O’Hare and Midway is at all times restricted to the following:

badged airport employees
ticketed passengers and those assisting them
those with legitimate airport business.

Implementation has been smooth, and I want to acknowledge the collaborative effort put forth by the CDA, the Mayor’s office, CPD, CTA, DFSS and others to make this happen. As a reminder, during overnight hours (approximately 2200 – 0400), CTA Blue Line service toward the City will not run from the O’Hare station. Instead, riders will take a shuttle bus to the Rosemont station, where they can continue their journey. At this time, there is no change to Orange Line service at Midway.

I also want to reiterate City policy with regard to the emergency travel order. Anyone coming or returning to Chicago from a state with a high incidence of COVID-19 must self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. Twenty-two states and Puerto Rico are currently subject to the order, including Wisconsin. Please note: Any City employee traveling to any of these states for work purposes will be considered essential and exempt from the order. Any City employee traveling for personal reasons, with the exception of medical care or parental shared custody, will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. For more information on the emergency travel order, visit HERE.

CDA has and will continue to prioritize and invest both in workplace safety and employee peace of mind. Here is what else you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well-being of our airport communities, including contractors, vendors and airport partners. With any confirmed COVID-19 case, and in coordination with CDPH, a risk assessment, contact tracing and cleaning/mitigation protocol is initiated. At this time we do not believe any other CDA personnel were in prolonged close contact with these individuals. Should that change, anyone so identified will be contacted directly via a separate communication. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
According to CDPH, there continues to be community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread remains to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, practicing social distancing, and wearing a face covering.
The City of Chicago has reached Stage IV of its reopening plan. For more information about the reopening plan and what must happen before transitioning to the next phase, visit HERE.

Thank you for all you do.

Jamie L. Rhee

Commissioner

August 5, 2020

August 3, 2020

July 29, 2020

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, we are reporting today that two additional members of the CDA team tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, there have been 50 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 45 at O’Hare and five at Midway. As of this morning, 46 of these individuals have returned to work.

I also want to follow up on the message communicated yesterday about limited airport access going forward. In order to maintain the safest and most secure airport environment for travelers and employees, access to the terminals at both O’Hare and Midway will at all times be restricted to the following:

badged airport employees
ticketed passengers and those assisting them
those with legitimate airport business.

This permanent policy goes into effect Friday evening, July 31st. Please also note that during the overnight hours (approximately 10pm – 4am), CTA Blue Line service toward the City will not run from the O’Hare station. Instead, riders will take a shuttle bus to the Rosemont station, where they can continue their journey. At this time, there is no change to Orange Line service at Midway.

As the states subject to the City’s travel order continue to grow, let me also take this opportunity to clarify City policy. As of July 6, anyone coming or returning to Chicago from a state with a high incidence of COVID-19 must self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. Eighteen states are currently subject to the order, with four additional states scheduled to be included Friday, including Wisconsin. Please note: Any City employee traveling to any of these states for work purposes will be considered essential and exempt from the order. Any City employee traveling for personal reasons, with the exception of medical care or parental shared custody, will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. For more information on the emergency travel order, visit HERE.

CDA has and will continue to prioritize and invest both in workplace safety and employee peace of mind. Here is what else you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well-being of our airport communities, including contractors, vendors and airport partners. With any confirmed COVID-19 case, and in coordination with CDPH, a risk assessment, contact tracing and cleaning/mitigation protocol is initiated. At this time we do not believe any other CDA personnel were in prolonged close contact with these individuals. Should that change, anyone so identified will be contacted directly via a separate communication. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
According to CDPH, there continues to be community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread remains to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, practicing social distancing, and wearing a face covering.
The City of Chicago has reached Stage IV of its reopening plan. For more information about the reopening plan and what must happen before transitioning to the next phase, visit HERE.

Thank you for all you do.

Andrew

Andrew Velasquez III

First Deputy Commissioner

July 15, 2020

July 14, 2020

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, we are reporting today that two additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19 in July. Overall, there have been 48 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 44 at O’Hare and four at Midway. As of this morning, 36 of these individuals have returned to work.

I also want to take this time to reiterate the message communicated via CDA Human Resources last week about face coverings. In accordance with City of Chicago policy, a face covering must be worn when entering a City facility, and in all common areas within these facilities — including Building 804. Furthermore, all CDA employees must continue to wear a mask at all times while in the terminals.

The City of Chicago and state of Illinois have made tremendous progress against COVID–19, but now is not the time to let down our guard. The broader airport community, not to mention the traveling public, look to us for guidance, and wearing a mask sends the signal that we’re serious about their health and safety. Please take this opportunity to set a good example and provide a measure of reassurance to those who use our airports.

These are challenging and uncertain times, but I can assure you CDA has and will continue to prioritize and invest both in workplace safety and employee peace of mind. Here is what else you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well being of our airport communities, including contractors, vendors and airport partners. With any confirmed COVID-19 case, and in coordination with CDPH, a risk assessment, contact tracing and cleaning/mitigation protocol is initiated. At this time we do not believe any other CDA personnel were in prolonged close contact with these individuals. Should that change, anyone so identified will be contacted directly via a separate communication. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
According to CDPH, there continues to be community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread remains to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, practicing social distancing, and wearing a face covering.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, as well as combination of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. People of all ages can get sick with COVID-19, and it’s important for everyone to take special precautions. People over the age of 60 and those who have other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases like COPD are more likely to have serious illness. Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms, whichever is longer.
The City of Chicago has reached Stage IV of its reopening plan. For more information about the reopening plan and what must happen before transitioning to the next phase, visit HERE.
As of July 6, anyone coming or returning to Chicago from a state with a high incidence of COVID-19 must self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. Please note, even essential workers are subject to the quarantine requirement if their travel was not work-related. Fifteen states are currently subject to the order, with two additional states scheduled to be included Friday. For more information on the emergency travel order, visit HERE.

Thank you for all you do.

Jamie L. Rhee

Commissioner

July 6, 2020

July 1, 2020

June 30, 2020

June 24, 2020

Dear CDA team

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, we are reporting today that an additional member of the CDA team has tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, there have been 45 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 42 at O’Hare and three at Midway. As of this morning, 33 of these individuals have returned to work.

In the coming days, we will be issuing additional workplace safety guidance that comports with the City of Chicago’s planned transition to Phase IV of its reopening plan. We will also continue to follow the guidance and best practices of our public health partners at the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As previously mentioned, CDA also enlisted the services of a workplace safety expert to analyze and assess our facilities, and we are in the process of assessing and implementing their recommendations.

As an additional reminder, all CDA personnel are required to wear an appropriate face covering while in the terminals. CDA personnel were initially issued one cloth face covering, and additional masks are available for employee use and convenience. A scarf, bandana, or mask made at home can be used, so long as it covers your mouth and nose.

I appreciate that these are dynamic and uncertain times, but I can assure you CDA has and will continue to prioritize and invest both in workplace safety and employee peace of mind. Here is what else you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well being of our airport communities, including contractors, vendors and airport partners. With any confirmed COVID-19 case, and in coordination with CDPH, a risk assessment, contact tracing and cleaning/mitigation protocol is initiated. At this time we do not believe any other CDA personnel were in prolonged close contact with this individual. Should that change, anyone so identified will be contacted directly via a separate communication. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
According to CDPH, there continues to be community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread remains to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, practicing social distancing, and wearing a face covering.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, as well as combination of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. People of all ages can get sick with COVID-19, and it’s important for everyone to take special precautions. People over the age of 60 and those who have other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases like COPD are more likely to have serious illness. Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms, whichever is longer.
The City of Chicago has reached Stage III of its reopening plan. For more information about the reopening plan and what must happen before transitioning to the next phase, visit HERE.

Thank you for all you do.

Jamie L. Rhee

Commissioner

June 18, 2020

June 17, 2020

June 15, 2020

June 9, 2020

June 3, 2020

This course is free for all LiUNA members, we strongly encourage you take a little time and take the training course to be better informed about COVID-19.

Click here or on the banner above to begin.

May 28, 2020

May 26, 2020

May 23, 2020

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, I want to inform you that two additional member of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 41 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 38 at O’Hare and three at Midway.

As a reminder, all CDA personnel are required to wear an appropriate face covering while in the terminals. CDA provided all personnel with cloth face masks, and in addition, a scarf, bandana, or mask made at home can be used, so long as it covers your mouth and nose.

Here’s what you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well being of our team members, and we work directly with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) upon any indication of a positive COVID-19 test on a risk assessment and appropriate response. At this time we do not believe any other CDA personnel were in prolonged close contact with these individuals and would thus need to self-quarantine. Should that change, anyone so identified will be contacted directly via a separate communication. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more. Those who had brief, casual contact with an infected individual are not considered at great risk of transmission and, for most people, the illness is generally mild and can be safely managed at home. As always, all employees should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
Under Governor Pritzker’s May 1 Executive Order, any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) is required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. CDA has provided a cloth face mask to all personnel; in addition, a scarf, a bandana, or a mask made at home can be used. Face coverings protect others in case you have contracted COVID-19 but don’t yet have symptoms. This guidance is in response to new studies that have shown that people can spread the virus to others before showing symptoms. These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing.
According to CDPH, there is community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. This means the risk of contracting COVID-19 is no longer only tied to high-risk travel or potential exposures at work, like at the airport. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread is to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, and practicing social distancing.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, as well as combination of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. People of all ages can get sick with COVID-19, and it’s important for everyone to take special precautions. People over the age of 60 and those who have other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases like COPD are more likely to have serious illness. Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms, whichever is longer.

We appreciate this is an uncertain and anxious time, and we appreciate even more the continued dedication and professionalism of the CDA team. We wish you and your families a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

Thank you,

Andrew Velasquez III

Interim First Deputy Commissioner

May 13, 2020

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, I want to inform you that an additional member of the CDA team has tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 39 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 36 at O’Hare and three at Midway.

Here’s what you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well being of our team members, and we work directly with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) upon any indication of a positive COVID-19 test on a risk assessment and appropriate response. At this time we do not believe any other CDA personnel were in prolonged close contact with this individual and would thus need to self-quarantine. Should that change, anyone so identified will be contacted directly via a separate communication. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more. Those who had brief, casual contact with an infected individual are not considered at great risk of transmission and, for most people, the illness is generally mild and can be safely managed at home. As always, all employees should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
Under Governor Pritzker’s May 1 Executive Order, any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) is required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. CDA has provided a cloth face mask to all personnel; in addition, a scarf, a bandana, or a mask made at home can be used. Face coverings protect others in case you have contracted COVID-19 but don’t yet have symptoms. This guidance is in response to new studies that have shown that people can spread the virus to others before showing symptoms. These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing.
According to CDPH, there is community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. This means the risk of contracting COVID-19 is no longer only tied to high-risk travel or potential exposures at work, like at the airport. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread is to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, and practicing social distancing.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, as well as combination of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. People of all ages can get sick with COVID-19, and it’s important for everyone to take special precautions. People over the age of 60 and those who have other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases like COPD are more likely to have serious illness. Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms, whichever is longer.

We appreciate this is an uncertain and anxious time, and we appreciate even more the continued dedication and professionalism of the CDA team. For more information about the disease and what the City is doing to limit its spread, please visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus. For information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit cdc.gov/covid19.

Thank you,

Jamie L. Rhee

Commissioner

May 12, 2020

May 11, 2020

May 7, 2020

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, I want to inform you that two additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 38 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 35 at O’Hare and three at Midway.

Here’s what you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well being of our team members, and we work directly with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) upon any indication of a positive COVID-19 test on a risk assessment and appropriate response. Employees who have been identified as having been in prolonged close contact with an individual who tests positive have been notified via a separate communication, and instructed to monitor their health and to self-quarantine. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more. Those who had brief, casual contact with an infected individual are not considered at great risk of transmission and, for most people, the illness is generally mild and can be safely managed at home. As always, all employees should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
Under Governor Pritzker’s May 1 Executive Order, any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) is required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. CDA has provided a cloth face mask to all personnel; in addition, a scarf, a bandana, or a mask made at home can be used. Face coverings protect others in case you have contracted COVID-19 but don’t yet have symptoms. This guidance is in response to new studies that have shown that people can spread the virus to others before showing symptoms. These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing.
According to CDPH, there is community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. This means the risk of contracting COVID-19 is no longer only tied to high-risk travel or potential exposures at work, like at the airport. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread is to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, and practicing social distancing.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, as well as combination of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. People of all ages can get sick with COVID-19, and it’s important for everyone to take special precautions. People over the age of 60 and those who have other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases like COPD are more likely to have serious illness. Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms, whichever is longer.

Thank you,

Jamie L. Rhee

Commissioner

May 6, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 4, 2020

Dear CDA team–

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, I want to inform you that two additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 36 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 33 at O’Hare and three at Midway.

Here’s what you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well being of our team members, and we work directly with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) upon any indication of a positive COVID-19 test on a risk assessment and appropriate response. Employees who have been identified as having been in prolonged close contact with an individual who tests positive have been notified via a separate communication, and instructed to monitor their health and to self-quarantine. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more. Those who had brief, casual contact with an infected individual are not considered at great risk of transmission and, for most people, the illness is generally mild and can be safely managed at home. As always, all employees should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
Under Governor Pritzker’s May 1 Executive Order, any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) is required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. CDA has provided a cloth face mask to all personnel; in addition, a scarf, a bandana, or a mask made at home can be used. Face coverings protect others in case you have contracted COVID-19 but don’t yet have symptoms. This guidance is in response to new studies that have shown that people can spread the virus to others before showing symptoms. These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing.
According to CDPH, there is community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. This means the risk of contracting COVID-19 is no longer only tied to high-risk travel or potential exposures at work, like at the airport. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread is to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, and practicing social distancing.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, as well as combination of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. People of all ages can get sick with COVID-19, and it’s important for everyone to take special precautions. People over the age of 60 and those who have other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases like COPD are more likely to have serious illness. Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms, whichever is longer.

Thank you,

Jamie L. Rhee

Commissioner

May 1, 2020

Dear CDA Team and Partners:

First and foremost, I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy as we all try to navigate these unprecedented times. Even though our airports remain operational, it goes without saying that this is not business-as-usual — and once again I want to express my appreciation for the dedication and professionalism on display each day, whether it is among our Administrative personnel, our Public Safety team or with our personnel in organized labor, It is an honor and privilege to work alongside the men and women of this great department.

It’s important to take a moment to acknowledge how vital and wide-ranging our work is to the overall effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s shipments of PPE arriving at O’Hare to be distributed around the country, or Midway’s recent handling of an Air National Guard C-130 airlift of negative-pressure tents that are being used at the McCormick Place alternate care facility, our airports are on the frontlines of these life-saving efforts. The Midway team even had a chance to return the favor this week, working with Southwest to return dozens of ventilators that are no longer needed in Chicago and can now be deployed elsewhere.

As the calendar turns to May and the weather turns (somewhat) spring like, I’m sure I’m not alone in itching to get outside and back to some sense of normalcy. We’re not there yet, however, and the State of Illinois has extended the stay-at-home order though this month. Amid all this sadness and uncertainty, there have been positive developments: locally, efforts to slow the spread and flatten the curve of COVID-19 seem to be working. So we will continue onward, promoting social distancing and encouraging those who can work from home to do so. For personnel who are working remotely, teleworking agreements have been extended through May. As a reminder, anybody who is working from home, please continue to send daily email notifications to your assigned HR-Timekeeper and your supervisor as well as to complete and submit weekly telework certifications.

In keeping with Mayor Lightfoot’s vision for our City and belief in the value of public service, CDA has no higher priority than your safety, security, and well-being. We work closely with our federal and local public health partners and strictly adhere to their recommendations. We are also working closely with our airport partners to integrate theseinitiatives throughout the airport. For your safety, we have initiated the following measures:

- distribution of cloth face coverings to all CDA personnel;
- installation of plexi-glass shields in highly exposed locations throughout the airport campus;
- frequent enhanced cleaning and sanitizing of high-traffic areas and work spaces;
- installation of supplemental hand sanitizing stations throughout the airports;
- regular, systematic deep cleaning of all CDA fleet vehicles;
- broad dissemination of public health bulletins and guidance.We consistently review the needs of our entire workforce and identify opportunities to continue to provide a safe and healthy workplace now and in the future.We have also instituted the practice of posting critical COVID-19 updates and information above Kronos machines, in break rooms, conference rooms and locker rooms, as well as installed dedicated COVID-19 bulletin boards where updates are posted for those who may not have access to email. We are also incorporating technology with the use of a new QR code that has been developed to allow all CDA employees access to real-time COVID-19 information using your smart phone.Of course, additional information on preparedness measures that you and your family members can take to protect against COVID-19 can always be found at:CDPH – https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.htmlCDC – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

I hope you find the information we are providing useful. I also hope you have a moment to reflect on the important work we’re doing, and share my pride in how CDA continues to rise to the occasion. Together, we will persevere through these challenging times and come out on the other side.

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Jamie

Commissioner

Chicago Department of Aviation

April 30, 2019

Dear CDA team

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, I want to inform you that two additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 34 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 31 at O’Hare and three at Midway.

Here’s what you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well being of our team members, and we work directly with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) upon any indication of a positive COVID-19 test on a risk assessment and appropriate response. Employees who have been identified as having been in prolonged close contact with an individual who tests positive have been notified via a separate communication, and instructed to monitor their health and to self-quarantine. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more. Those who had brief, casual contact with an infected individual are not considered at great risk of transmission and, for most people, the illness is generally mild and can be safely managed at home. As always, all employees should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Per CDPH recommendation, the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be deep cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide deep cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
According to CDPH, there is community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. This means the risk of contracting COVID-19 is no longer only tied to high-risk travel or potential exposures at work, like at the airport. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread is to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, and practicing social distancing.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, as well as combination of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. People of all ages can get sick with COVID-19, and it’s important for everyone to take special precautions. People over the age of 60 and those who have other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases like COPD are more likely to have serious illness. Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms, whichever is longer.

Thank you,

Andrew

Andrew Velasquez III

Interim First Deputy Commissioner

Chicago Department of Aviation

April 29, 2020

April 28, 2020

The City announced last week that it will provide City employees who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 access to the Hotel Julian Isolation Facility. This downtown hotel has been temporarily converted to an ideal place for people with relatively mild cases of COVID-19 to recover from their illness. In addition to a free private hotel room/bathroom, TV, internet, and 3 meals per day delivered to your door, this facility is staffed 24/7 with nurses to help monitor your condition.

City employees, with the COVID-19 virus, and who lack appropriate housing to safely recover without endangering their families, can now have their primary care physician refer them to the Julian Isolation Facility.

Interested employees should ask their health care provider to fill out the intake form here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html

April 27, 2020

Dear CDA team

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, I want to inform you that two additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 32 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 29 at O’Hare and three at Midway.

Here’s what you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well being of our team members, and we work directly with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) upon any indication of a positive COVID-19 test on a risk assessment and appropriate response. Employees who have been identified as having been in prolonged close contact with one of these individuals have been notified via a separate communication, and instructed to monitor their health and to self-quarantine. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more. Those who had brief, casual contact with an infected individual are not considered at great risk of transmission and, for most people, the illness is generally mild and can be safely managed at home. As always, all employees should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be deep cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide deep cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
According to CDPH, there is community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. This means the risk of contracting COVID-19 is no longer only tied to high-risk travel or potential exposures at work, like at the airport. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread is to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, and practicing social distancing.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, and shortness of breath. People of all ages can get sick with COVID-19, and it’s important for everyone to take special precautions. Most cases of COVID-19 result in mild illness, and to date, children also seem less likely to become ill. People over the age of 60 and those who have other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases like COPD are more likely to have serious illness. Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms, whichever is longer.

Thank you,

Jamie L. Rhee

Commissioner

April 24, 2020

Dear CDA team

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and maintaining a safe work environment, I want to inform you that two additional members of the CDA team have tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 30 confirmed cases among CDA personnel: 27 at O’Hare and three at Midway.

Here’s what you need to know:

CDA has no higher priority than the safety and well being of our team members, and we work directly with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) upon any indication of a positive COVID-19 test on a risk assessment and appropriate response. At this time we do not believe any other CDA personnel were in prolonged close contact with these individuals and would thus need to self-quarantine. Should that change, anyone so identified will be contacted directly via a separate communication. As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more. Those who had brief, casual contact with an infected individual are not considered at great risk of transmission and, for most people, the illness is generally mild and can be safely managed at home. As always, all employees should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Per CDPH recommendation, if appropriate the work spaces utilized by an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be deep cleaned and disinfected, and CDA has instituted a system-wide deep cleaning and disinfecting cycle for all vehicles in service at both O’Hare and Midway.
According to CDPH, there is community-wide transmission of COVID-19 in Chicago. This means the risk of contracting COVID-19 is no longer only tied to high-risk travel or potential exposures at work, like at the airport. The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 or to limit its spread is to practice good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people who are sick, not going to work if sick, and practicing social distancing.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, and shortness of breath. If your symptoms are mild and you are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (over 60 years old or have underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases), please contact your medical provider to discuss whether you need to be evaluated in person. Individuals who are not high risk and who exhibit mild symptoms do not need to be evaluated in person and do not need to be tested. If your symptoms are severe, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or difficulty waking up, or bluish lips or face please seek the closest emergency department or call 9-1-1 immediately. Any individuals who are sick or exhibiting symptoms must stay home from work. Stay home and away from others for at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared and at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms, whichever is longer.

Thank you,

Jamie L. Rhee

Commissioner

April 20, 2020

April 17, 2020

Below is the self-certification form you should fill out and submit to your Department if you are sick and exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Please note you should consult with a health care provider, either on the phone, in person, etc. but you do not have to submit anything more than this self certification form, unless you are asked for documentation at a later date. Employee Self-Certification for COVID-19 (1)

April 14, 2020

April 13, 2020

April 10, 2020

April 9, 2020

April 8, 2020

April 7, 2020

April 2, 2020

A message from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

April 1, 2020

March 30, 2020

March 28, 2020

March 27, 2020

March 26, 2020

March 26, 2020

March 25, 2020

March 24, 2020

While we are all on a stay at home order please take the time to do this online training that LiUNA is offering for free. Create an account with a valid email address and you’re set. You will receive a certificate upon completion which takes less than 120 minutes for the entire course. Some great insights and information in this time of mis-information.

March 24, 2020

March 23, 2020

March 20, 2020

ATTENTION LOCAL 1001 MEMBERS

THE CITY OF CHICAGO HAS DEEMED THE MAJORITY OF OUR MEMBERS AS “ESSENTIAL” UNLESS YOU ARE SPECIFICALLY TOLD NOT TO REPORT TO WORK YOU SHOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO.

EVEN WITH THE CURRENT SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER FROM GOVERNOR PRITZKER YOU SHOULD REPORT TO WORK.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO AND ASK ALL TO PLEASE STAY SAFE.

March 18, 2020

Below is a letter from Mayor Lightfoot acknowledging the work our brothers and sisters are doing during this very difficult time in the world.

March 18, 2020

List of Pre-Identified Break Locations

We understand the limited availability of locations to take a break 10-7 and have been working with various Departments to try and make identify facilities where our members read more…..

March 18, 2020

COVID-19 Update on Essential Services and Possible Draw Downs (Pay)

Update from last nights meeting with the City of Chicago.

As early as tomorrow the City will begin drawing down its services. As of right now, all of our members at the City work in Departments that are providing “essential services”. We are being told read more…..

March 17, 2020

COVID Resources Effective Immediately

To combat the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and ensure that City employees and their dependents have access to critical medical care, the City will make available new resources. These resources are available to you and your dependents effective immediately. read more….

March 17, 2020

COVID-19 Update for DSS

Your Union has been working with DSS to ensure the health and safety of our members since the announcement of the severity of the COVID-19 virus. In an effort to address some of the repeated concerns read more….

March 16, 2020

A Message from the LABF

Since COVID-10 has been detected in numerous locations in Illinois including Chicago the LABF is taking the following steps to protect the safety, health and wellbeing of our members read more….

March 13, 2020

City of Chicago Employee COVID-19 update

We met with the Mayor’s Office yesterday evening to further discuss the suggestions we made to them earlier this week. As a result, they have rolled out several temporary policies read more….

March 9, 2020

Get the Facts: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Symptoms can include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. In confirmed COVID-19 cases, illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Most cases of COVID-19 result read more….