Face coverings –Effective Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 the mask mandate is lifted. Masks are required where federally mandated (including on public transit and planes), health care facilities, congregate settings, long term care facilities, and daycare settings. Private businesses and municipalities may choose to implement their own masking requirements. Schools are urged to continue following state and federal guidance to help keep students and staff safe in the classroom.
Vaccinations or testing – Illinois is home to the highest percentage of residents who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. As of Feb. 28, the CDC has lifted its recommendation for universal indoor masking, including in K-12 settings. The State coordinated more than 2,000 mobile vaccination clinics at schools and other youth-centric locations, cumulatively providing nearly 75,000 vaccinations. Schools, organizations, and other groups wanting to host a vaccination clinic should file an application within the coming weeks. Vaccines continue to be readily available at pharmacies across the state, many local health departments, doctor offices, federally qualified health centers, and other locations. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, click here.
Chicago vaccination requirements – As of Feb. 28, Chicagoans will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination in most indoor spaces, as long as declines in metrics still occur. Masks will still be required in public transportation and health care settings, and some businesses and venues may still choose to require masks/vaccination status.
Quarantine & isolation – IDPH adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to reduce the number of days for isolation and quarantine for the general public. People who test positive for COVID-19 can decrease their isolation time from 10 days to 5 days if they do not have symptoms, but they must continue to mask for 5 days after isolation ends. For close contacts: CDC guidance continues to recommend that individuals who are not up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations stay at home and quarantine for at least 5 days after exposure to COVID-19 and wear a mask until day 10. Close contacts who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines or who are within 90 days of a COVID-19 infection do not need to quarantine.
Guidelines and government services
Driver services facilities – The expiration dates for driver’s licenses and identification cards have been extended to July 31, 2022. The federal government has also moved the deadline to begin requiring a REAL ID or passport to board a plane to May 3, 2023.
FOID cards and Concealed Carry Licenses - Firearm Owners Identification cards and Concealed Carry Licenses will automatically be extended during the disaster declaration as long as holders whose permits expire submit renewal applications.
Colleges and universities – The Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois Community College Board have released guidance for keeping students and staff safe.
Businesses and venues – Businesses and venues are generally allowed to open to full capacity, though people should still wear face masks and practice social distancing.
Child care facilities –The four state agencies that focus on child care and child care licensing have put together a reopening FAQ for child care providers.
Health resources
Vaccination plan – IDPH’s vaccination plan is posted on its website. Everyone age 12 and older is eligible to get vaccinated.
Booster Shots – The CDC currently recommends that everyone 12 years and older that received the Pfizer vaccine and adults 18 years and older who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines should receive a booster shot.
Vaccination locations – Find where you can schedule an appointment to get a vaccination, if you’re eligible.
Testing sites – IDPH has created a list of sites that will provide COVID-19 tests outside of hospitals. Some are available to anyone showing symptoms, while others have additional requirements. Sites managed by IDPH are open to anyone, regardless of whether or not they’re showing symptoms.
Community transmission map – The CDC currently recommends that everyone – even people who are vaccinated – wear face coverings in public indoor settings in counties with substantial or high transmission rates, as indicated on this map.
Insurance questions – The Illinois Department of Insurance has created a web page to answer insurance questions.
Mental health – The COVID-19 pandemic and associated financial stresses and isolation are challenging for many people. In addition to resources from the Illinois Department of Human Services, the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Illinois’ website also has links to local branches that can help people find more personalized assistance. They also operate a crisis helpline at 800-950-6264 and a suicide prevention line at 800-273-8255. If you believe a family member poses a threat to themselves or others, you can seek a firearms restraining order. Illinois Legal Aid Online has additional information.
Call4Calm emotional support text line – The Illinois Department of Human Services is operating a service to connect individuals struggling with the stress of COVID-19 and the Stay at Home Order with free, anonymous counselors. Text “TALK” to 552-020 (or “HABLAR” in Spanish).
Long-term care facility vaccination rates – Anyone concerned about a loved one or working on selecting a long-term care facility can check vaccinations rates on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.
Employment resources – The Illinois Departments of Employment Security and Commerce and Economic Opportunity have combined resources to create Get Hired Illinois, a one-stop resource for job seekers and unemployment benefits. It also features job training opportunities and job fairs.
Restaurant employee grants – The Illinois Restaurant Association is providing one-time $500 grants to restaurant employees experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.
Moratorium on evictions – There is currently a moratorium on evicting any single person who makes up to $99,000 per year (or $198,000 for families), if they are experiencing hardship due to COVID-19. However, tenants must make a good faith effort to pay as much as they can afford and sign a form documenting their hardship.
Utility, rent and necessity help – Families struggling to make ends meet may qualify to receive assistance with food, rent, utilities, temporary shelter, medicine and other essential household services.
Child care assistance locator – With many child care centers operating under reduced capacity, workers may need to locate new providers. There is a toll-free helpline available at 888-228-1146.
Student loan collections – The federal government has reduced interest rates to 0% and suspended collections until May 1, 2022. In addition, Illinois has worked with other states to provide private borrowers assistance, including at least 90 days of forbearance with waived late fees and no negative credit reporting or debt collection. If you are having trouble with your servicer or have a non-federal student loan, you can call the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at 217-785-2900 or file a complaint here. You also can call the Illinois attorney general’s Student Loan Helpline at 800-455-2456 or file a complaint here.
Free Wi-Fi hotspots – DCEO has put together a map of free Wi-Fi hotspots that can be used for activities like e-learning.
Homelessness resources – The Department of Human Services has expanded its homelessness resources to help address additional issues from the pandemic, and information is available for providers and the homeless on its website.
Blood donation – Blood supplies are critically low in Illinois right now. Your community needs you to be a blood donor and help save lives. In addition to the Red Cross, consider contacting your local blood donation center to donate blood.
Food bank donations – Many food banks need additional resources to help families struggling through this crisis. Even if you’re familiar with a food bank, call, email, or visit its website first. Many have changed procedures to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
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