(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The city of Chicago is lifting its mask mandate for those who are fully vaccinated.
“Following guidance from the CDC and the state and recognizing how safe, and effective this COVID vaccine is, the City of Chicago will no longer require masks for fully vaccinated people in most settings,” Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, said Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, 38% of Chicagoans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Arwady said she understands that many restaurants and businesses feel the announcement puts them in an awkward position because they don’t want to be forced to verify the vaccine status of those entering their buildings.
That’s why Chicago is encouraging businesses to keep a mask requirement in place, she said.
“We continue to strongly advise, though not require, masking policies for all indoor settings in Chicago until COVID capacity restrictions are lifted and we are in Phase 5,” Arwady said.
People who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks.
Face coverings will still be required for all Chicagoans in healthcare settings, schools, correctional facilities and on public transportation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week revised its mask guidelines, saying fully vaccinated people can choose not to wear a face covering in many — though not all — settings.
State and local governments are in a process of following suit to be consistent with the CDC, but some people say the guidelines are potentially confusing.
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