CHICAGO–Chicago and Cook County remain in the Medium COVID-19 Community Level according to the latest Community Level metrics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

“I am relieved we are still at the Medium Level, but I expect that may change in the coming weeks. We know that with lots of gatherings for the holidays, there is an increased risk of transmission,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “I want to remind people, as you gather with loved ones, enjoy each others’ company—but do so safely. We can protect each other if we mask up, think about testing ahead of gathering, and most importantly, get the new, updated booster vaccine.”    

CDPH also offers the following recommendations during family gatherings and other holiday activities: 

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.  
• For most Chicagoans, this means getting the new, updated booster vaccine that came out in Fall of this year. 
• This vaccine has now been approved for everyone 6 months and older. 
• If you haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccine since Labor Day, you have not received the new bivalent booster, and you are not up to date. 
• Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu shot.  
• This is especially important for young children and seniors who are at the most risk of serious illness from the flu. Every year, people die from the flu in the US.  
• Consider taking a COVID test before gathering with friends or family for the holidays. 
• All households are eligible to receive 4 free COVID tests by US Mail. 
• To order tests, go to COVIDTests.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 
• Wear high-quality masks in crowded settings, especially when you don’t know the vaccination status of others, and when traveling. 
• Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Stay home if you’re sick, even if you are vaccinated. 
• Improve Ventilation in Your Home. This could be as simple as cracking a window.

COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Updates 

As of December 21, 18.4 percent of all Chicagoans age 5 and up have received the updated COVID booster vaccine, compared to 14.6 percent of all Americans. One in five Chicago adults 18 and older have received a bivalent booster. As of December 21, more than 494,000 doses of the updated booster have been administered to Chicagoans.  

This new, updated vaccine, known as the bivalent booster, is designed to better protect against Omicron subvariants as well as original strains of the virus. The bivalent booster generates a stronger immune response against current and future Omicron subvariants.  

COVID-19 By the Numbers  

 The CDC determines COVID-19 Community Levels as Low, Medium, or High, based on the number of new local COVID-19 cases, regional COVID-19 hospital admissions, and COVID-19 hospital capacity in the prior week. The Levels were developed to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest local COVID-19 data.   

CDPH also continues to track and report COVID-19 hospital burden specifically for Chicago hospitals every day on its dashboard and uses this local hospital data to make further mitigation decisions. Visit chi.gov/coviddash for the Chicago COVID-19 daily data dashboard.  

COVID-19 Community Levels in the U.S. by County

In total, 33 of Illinois’ 102 counties are at the High Community Level including DuPage County (compared to 43 last week), 55 are Medium (43 last week), and 14 are Low (16 last week). Nationwide, more than 51 percent of U.S. counties are at the Medium or High Level (up from 44 percent last week). 

Nationwide, 51 percent of U.S. counties are at Medium or High Community Levels. Travelers should be aware of whether areas they are visiting are Low, Medium, or High risk for COVID-19 by checking the CDC’s map, and take proper precautions, which should include reviewing CDPH’s travel guidance.   

For additional COVID-19 information, visit Chicago.gov/COVID.

Upcoming Vaccine Events 

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to urge all Chicagoans age 6 months and older to remain up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations including the fall 2022 booster and to get their annual flu shot. The updated vaccine is free for all, regardless of health insurance status.  

The City continues to operate Protect Chicago At Home, its completely free program that will bring COVID-19 and flu vaccines right to any Chicagoan’s home and vaccinate up to 10 people in a single appointment. COVID-19 vaccines, including primary doses and the new booster vaccines are available for anyone age 6 months and up. Chicagoans age 6 months and up can also receive a flu vaccine at home if at least one member of the household is receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments are available mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekdays, and weekends. Make an at-home appointment for your family at Chicago.gov/AtHome or by calling (312) 746-4835.  

CDPH announced additional family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago in 2023. The clinics will offer flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and the updated bivalent booster to all eligible Chicagoans. The schedule is: 

• Saturday, January 7 at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.  
• Saturday, January 14 at Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Rd. 
• Saturday, January 21 at Olive Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.  
• Saturday, January 28, Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett Ave. 
• Saturday, February 4, Kennedy King College, 6301 S. Halsted St. 
• Saturday, February 11, Truman College, 1145 W Wilson Ave. 

Find additional vaccination events in your neighborhood at Chicago.gov/vaxcalendar or call the City’s COVID-19 Hotline at (312) 746-4835.  

###