Chicago has seen a rise in COVID-19 infections in the past few weeks as the new Omicron variant is already spreading through the community.
But even though the coronavirus cases are high, the city is open to visitors. However, some sports and cultural events have been postponed or canceled due to the recent COVID-19 case surge. Also, incoming travelers should take extra safety precautions when visiting Chicago.
Latest updates
December 20 – Various musical and sporting events canceled in Chicago
Several theaters across Chicago have been forced to postpone or even cancel multiple shows because of the COVID-19 outbreak among crew members. Also, Loyola University’s men’s basketball canceled various games.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rachel Rubin, a senior medical officer with Cook County Health, stressed out again the importance of wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, sanitizing, and mostly vaccination.
With the upcoming Christmas holidays, Rubin and other health care leaders also push COVID-19 testing in hope of safe celebrations.
Source: NBC Chicago
October 18 – Chicago launches a number of COVID-19 vaccination clinics to boost its vaccination program
From Saturday, October 16, to Friday, October 22, various organizations across the city are hosting vaccination drives to boost the number of people vaccinated against COVID-19.
The drives operate under a new initiative called “Project Chicago 77”, which aims to get 77% of the over-12 population inoculated with at least one shot by the end of this year.
According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, 73.9% ( around 1.7 million) Chicagoans have already started their vaccination process, while nearly 60% have received a full series of the coronavirus vaccine.
Source: NBC Chicago
Current COVID-19 situation in Chicago
The U.S. Center for Disease and Prevention now considers Illinois an area of high community transmission of the virus.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Chicago has registered 364,310 cases, 6,325 of which have resulted in death.
Over the past week, there have been on average 1,149 new cases daily. That is 21% more than the previous week.
The number of daily hospitalizations has also risen to 64 per week, compared to 50 the week before.
As of December 20, 70.4% of Chicagoans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, while 63.5% have been fully vaccinated.
Chicago entry requirements
Chicago is open for both domestic and international visitors, but some entry measures are in place.
Unvaccinated domestic travelers coming from certain areas are advised to provide a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine for at least 10 days after arrival. While all international air passengers traveling to the U.S. must submit a negative COVID-19 test no older than 1 day regardless of vaccination status.
The federal government has also suspended entry from several countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
How safe is to travel to Chicago now?
Traveling anywhere during the coronavirus pandemic can be risky if you don’t take the necessary precautions. And especially now with the more contagious Omicron variant spreading around the world.
As Chicago has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, you should be fully vaccinated when visiting the city.
Masks are required in all indoor areas, while social distancing and disinfecting are recommended.
Why visit Chicago in pandemic times?
Being one of the largest cities in the U.S., it offers everything you might want from an international city. From rich history, sublime architecture, art, and technology to fantastic food and entertainment.
According to Google trends, Chicago was one of the most popular places to visit in the U.S. in the first half of this August.
Chicago also boasts numerous city parks, beaches, and the famous Lakefront Trail, fantastic spots to get some exercise or connect with locals.
Even now during the pandemic, Chicago restaurants, bars, and attractions are open. However, some sports or cultural events might be postponed or canceled. On the other hand, you can expect fewer crowds around the city than usual.
Updates archives
September 10 – Illinois reports the highest daily death toll in almost seven months
Even though the COVID-19 surge seems to be flagging in Illinois, on Wednesday, September 8, public health officials announced the highest number of daily deaths in nearly seven months.
63 fatalities were reported that day, the most in a single day since February 19, 2021. This month, 241 lives were lost statewide due to COVID-19 so far. Most of the people were unvaccinated.
Coronavirus hospitalizations also hover near the seven-month high. 2,327 beds were occupied with COVID-19 patients on Tuesday night. However, as the daily new infections are flattening, we can hopefully expect fewer deaths and hospitalizations next month.
Source: Chicago Sun Times