Dear neighbor,

In the last few weeks, Chicago has experienced a steep increase in test positivity rates for COVID-19. Currently, the test positivity rate in Chicago is 13%. Just three weeks ago, our test positivity rate was 5.2%. 

This week, the Chicago Department of Public Health updated the Emergency Travel Order. 

Starting today, Friday, November 13th, states will be placed in three categories: Red, Orange, and Yellow. These designations are based on the status of the outbreak in the states and how the data compares to the situation in Chicago.

Please see quarantine details, social distancing guidelines, and additional precautions below.  

The 39th Ward Public Service Office is open virtually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Out of an abundance of caution, we are not open to the public. Please reach out should you have any questions, comments, or concerns at 773.736.5594 or via email at Ward39@CityOfChicago.org.

I wish you good health and wellness,

Alderman Samantha Nugent

Where does this Order apply?
This Order applies to individuals arriving in the City of Chicago while they are in the City.

How will states be designated under the Order?
A state is designated Yellow if it has a case rate lower than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, per day, over a 7-day rolling average.

A state is designated Orange if it has a case rate lower than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, per day, over a 7-day rolling average and the Chicago COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, per day a 7-day rolling average.

A state is designated Red if it has a higher rate than Chicago's COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, per day, over a 7-day rolling average. 

Will the list of Yellow, Orange, and Red states change? When will it change?
The list of states will be amended every other Tuesday, with the Order effective for those states the following Friday (three days later).

What if I live outside Chicago but work in the City?
Individuals who live outside Chicago but regularly commute into Chicago for work can continue to do so as usual if they have not traveled to a high incidence state. If they have traveled to a Red or Orange list state, they are subject to the "essential worker" conditions and requirements for Chicago residents outlined in this FAQ not to quarantine or receive a negative test result within 72 hours before arrival in Chicago.

What defines an "essential worker"?
For purposes of the Order and this FAQ, "essential workers" are not subject to the mandatory self-quarantine if their travel is for work purposes under the following circumstances:

• (a) if a non-resident of Chicago is traveling from a designated state to Chicago for the primary purpose of carrying out their primary work in Chicago, and who needs to be physically present in Chicago to carry out that primary work, with identification issued by their employer, or
• (b) if a resident of Chicago is returning from a designated state and was in the designated state for the primary purpose of carrying out their primary work in that state, and who needed to be physically present in that state to carry out that primary work, with identification issued by their employer.

An essential worker whose travel is for non-work purposes is subject to the mandatory self-quarantine and is not covered by this exception.

What if I drove through one of the designated states but did not stay there?
The Order does not apply to any individual passing through designated states for less than 24 hours in the course of travel.

I am returning from international travel. What should I do?
The City of Chicago follows the Illinois Department of Public Health guidance for international travel.

Does this Order apply to Holiday travel?
Yes, the Order applies to all travel unless outlined in the "exemptions" tab.

My family/friends are coming from one of the designated stats and are staying with me. Do I have to follow the Order?
No. Household members who did not travel from a designated state are not required to quarantine or receive a negative COVID-19 test.

• Only leave home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up take-out food, or receiving deliveries. If you do leave home, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others and wearing a face covering at all times. 
• Do not have gatherings in your home with anybody outside of your household (except for essential staff such as home health care workers or educators), even with trusted family or friends. 
• Avoid all non-essential, out-of-state travel; if travel is essential, quarantining or testing negative prior to travel is required, depending on which state a traveler originates. 
• Comply with City and State Orders, including wearing face coverings, limiting gatherings, and mandating early closure of non-essential businesses at 11 p.m. 
• Practice social distancing and avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others if you go outside to get fresh air. 
• Use remote modes of communication like phone or video chat instead of visiting friends or family, especially on holidays such as Thanksgiving.