CHICAGO – Chicago and Cook County remain in the Low COVID-19 Community Level, according to the latest Community Level metrics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In all, 97 of Illinois’ 102 counties are at the Low Level this week (74 last week), while 5 are Medium (20 last week), and none are High (none last week). Across the nation, community levels remain steady with nearly 70 percent of U.S. counties at Low, and just over 4 percent at High. 

“I remain so pleased to see us hold steady at the Low Level,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “I want to thank Chicagoans for their vigilance against COVID-19, especially over the holidays when we often see cases increase. Let’s continue to do everything we can to stay here, because we know COVID-19 is not gone. Please make sure everyone you love is up-to-date with their vaccines; it’s our best tool to help protect us and keep the virus in check.” 

Upcoming Vaccine Events 

CDPH continues to urge all Chicagoans 6 months and older to get their updated COVID-19 booster vaccine as soon as possible. This new vaccine, known as the bivalent booster and released in fall 2022, is designed to better protect against Omicron subvariants as well as original strains of the virus. The bivalent booster generates a strong immune response against current and future Omicron subvariants.  

In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, CDPH reminds Chicagoans that it is not too late to get an annual flu shot. Influenza can cause serious illness for younger and older people, especially those who have not gotten a flu shot.  

The City will host a Family Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, February 4 at Kennedy King College, 6301 S. Halsted St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic will offer flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and the updated bivalent booster to all Chicagoans age 6 months and up. All of these vaccines are free at this clinic, regardless of health insurance status. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. To register or find additional vaccination events in your neighborhood, visit Chicago.gov/vaxcalendar or call the City’s COVID-19 Hotline at (312) 746-4835. 

The City also continues to operate Protect Chicago At Home, its completely free program that will bring COVID-19 and flu vaccines to any Chicagoan’s home and vaccinate up to 10 people in a single appointment. Vaccines are available for anyone age 6 months and older, and individuals 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.  

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 on its dashboard and uses this local hospital data to make further mitigation decisions. Visit chi.gov/coviddash for the Chicago COVID-19 data dashboard.

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

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.

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