Governor’s Executive Order: As mentioned in last week’s COVID-19 Update when Governor Pritzker issued new vaccine and mask mandates, his office has officially released this Executive Order further clarifying details of last week’s announcement:

Vaccine Mandate - The new vaccine mandates require all healthcare workers, including nursing home employees; all pre-K through 12-grade teachers & staff; and higher education personnel & higher education students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  Individuals covered under the new vaccine mandate who are unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine will be required to get tested for COVID-19 at least once per week.

First Vaccine Dose by September 5 - Workers and students in these applicable settings must receive the first dose of a two-dose vaccination series or a single-dose vaccination by September 5, 2021. Second doses of the vaccine must be received by 30 days after the first dose.

All Illinois residents over the age of 12 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost and proof of immigration status is not required to receive the vaccine. To find a vaccination center near you, go to www.vaccines.gov

Statewide Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Settings - In addition, a statewide mask mandate is also required of all individuals over the age of 2 for indoor, public settings regardless of vaccination status. Public settings include grocery stores, malls, restaurants, bars, etc.

While face coverings are not required outdoors, masks are strongly encouraged in crowded outdoor settings like festivals and concerts as well as for activities that require close contact with people who are not vaccinated.

IDPH Tracking School COVID Outbreaks: As of today, the state is tracking 26 school outbreaks.  The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) now has a dedicated webpage on information about school-aged cases and outbreaks.  Data for school-aged cases include the number of new cases reported each week by county among age groups 5-11 years, 12-17 years, and 18-22 years. Not all cases among those aged 5-17 years are associated with schools, however.

Specific outbreaks included are those that have been identified by the local health department to have five or more COVID-19 cases who may have a shared exposure on school grounds and are from different households. Case counts for school-related outbreaks also include those associated with before and after school programs (e.g., school-sponsored sports). These outbreaks do not include secondary cases that may occur in a household member who has not been on school grounds.

Schools across Illinois are at various stages – in-person, remote, or hybrid learning. This can change at any time depending on outbreaks, test positivity, and new cases in the school or community.

Chicago’s New Travel Advisory:  Ahead of the Labor Day Weekend, the City of Chicago this week updated it’s COVID-19 travel advisory, covering every state in the country with the exception of Vermont.  This advisory also includes Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

Unvaccinated visitors to Chicago from those states are urged to quarantine for 10 days or record a negative test within 72 hours of their arrival.  Families with children younger than 12, who are not eligible for the vaccine, should not travel during the Labor Day holiday. 

In addition, unvaccinated travelers should get tested three to five days before they leave on their trip as well as three to five days after they return.  Even if individuals test negative, it is recommended they self-quarantine for seven days. Those who don’t take a test should quarantine for 10 days after travel.  Unvaccinated travelers should avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, even with a negative test.

Update on Vaccinations: A total of 13,950,756 vaccines have been administered to Illinois residents. The average number of vaccines administered daily is 39,922.  According to the state’s vaccine administration data, 53% of the state’s overall population have been fully vaccinated with DuPage County still leading the state with 63% of its population fully vaccinated. Close to 77% of residents 12 and up have received their first dose, with 60% being fully vaccinated.

Here’s how the rest of the state’s population by age groups ranks in terms of vaccinations:

12 years of age and older – 60% fully vaccinated; 77% one dose administered
18 years of age and older – 62% fully vaccinated; 79% one dose administered
65 years of age and older – 77% fully vaccinated; 94% one dose administered             

Additionally, the state has updated its COVID-19 website containing current locations and other pertinent information on one webpage.

Update on COVID-19 Cases: IDPH is reporting 1,528,120 positive tests of COVID-19 in Illinois, an average increase of 4,156 positive tests per day since last reported here 7 days ago on August 25.  In total, 28,965,563 tests have now been conducted in Illinois for the virus, an average increase of 81,790 per day since August 18. 

The state’s average positivity rate over all 11 regions is at 5% since August 25.  You can see where the various regions are at in terms of their positivity rates, hospitalizations, and other metrics at this link. 

Unfortunately, IDPH is reporting a total of 23,979 deaths, an average increase of 23 per day since August 25.

You can also check where these cases are occurring at the State of Illinois COVID-19 website which also contains more information on this outbreak.

Also, IDPH has a case breakdown of the number of positive cases in Chicago and each county relative to the number of fatalities.  The IDPH website also now includes a breakdown of the cases under each zip code in the state.

For information on other states and countries, John Hopkins University has developed this website that provides invaluable resources at a one-stop location detailing testing and tracing trends, timelines of COVID-19 policies, vaccinations, and interactive maps.

ACC Information on State COVID-19 Policy:

NORTHEAST

New Hampshire
NH Governor Sununu, who is fully vaccinated, will be getting tested today for COVID after exhibiting symptoms. No new state mandates or requirements have been announced.

New York State
Governor Hochul announced she will work with localities, the state health department and the Public Health and Health Planning Council in the days ahead to put in place mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated public and charter school employees, and to establish a vaccination requirement for all staff at state-regulated facilities and congregate settings. She also announced that $65m will be available for health departments for booster shot distribution.

New Jersey
This week marks the Sept 7^th deadline for all NJ workers in certain state and private health care facilities and high-risk congregate settings to be fully vaccinated or subject to testing. The full list of facilities is here.

Connecticut
Similar to NJ, the deadline for workers at long term care facilities to be vaccinated is September 7^th. The list of covered facilities is here. Facilities that are not in compliance could face fines of $20,000 per facility per day.

MIDATLANTIC

D.C. Mayor Bowser Announces 11 New Test Yourself D.C. Sites
Last week, Mayor Bowser announced an expansion of the Test Yourself D.C. program to put almost all of D.C. within a 20-minute walk of a site. Individuals can pick up and drop off free at-home COVID-19 testing kits. 

Pennsylvania Governor Wolf Requires Masking in Schools, Early Learning, and Child Care Settings
On Tuesday, Governor Wolf announced Pennsylvania will require masks to be worn inside K-12 school buildings, early learning programs, and child care providers. The order takes effect Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021. The order does not apply to school sports or outdoor activities. 

West Virginia Governor Justice Announces New Vaccination Incentive Program
On Monday, Governor Justice announced the launch of a new initiative that will provide a $150 voucher for back-to-school supplies to all vaccinated families where the grandparents are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

MID-WEST

Illinois Governor Issues Mask Mandate
Governor J.B. Pritzker on 8/26/21 issued Executive Order 2021-20, which requires face coverings for all Illinois residents over age 2 in indoor settings beginning August 30, 2021. The order also outlines vaccine and testing requirements for healthcare workers, school personnel, higher education, and state-owned or operated congregate living facilities.

Indiana Governor Issues Executive Order
Governor Eric Holcomb on 8/30/21 issued a new Emergency Declaration to extend the COVID-19 public health emergency through the end of September, which keeps the state eligible for several federal emergency relief programs. He also issued on 9/1/21 Executive Order 21-24 which extends the effective dates of certain policies to address COVID-19. The order directs the Commissioner of the state Department of Health to evaluate and modify where warranted quarantine provisions for K-12 educational institutions and childcare facilities. The order doesn’t address guidance on face coverings.  Indiana health officials are recording a significant increase in new confirmed COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and death. The 7-day average positive rate has increased from 2.1% two months ago to 10.9% driven by the Delta variant.  

Kansas Governor Creates New COVID-19 Information Source for Parents
Governor Laura Kelly on 9/1/21 issued a press release announcing a new Safer Classrooms Workgroup that will be composed of pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, school psychologists, and other health professionals. Every week, the workgroup will release a “School Safety Report” to serve as a resource for media, parents, schools, communities, and policymakers.  The group will meet weekly to highlight the urgency of protecting Kansas kids from the delta variant, speaking with educators, parents, and advocates about their experiences as schools work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

Michigan Counties Issue Mask Mandates
Berrien County in southwestern Michigan on 9/1/21 ordered masking inside all schools. Washtenaw County is expected to issue a similar order on 9/2/21.  A news article reports that nine of 83 counties — including many with the largest populations — will require face coverings in schools. Article  The Wayne County Public Health Department on 8/27/21 announced a mask mandate for schools and daycare providers, requiring all students, faculty, staff, and visitors — regardless of vaccination status — to wear masks in schools and during school-sponsored indoor events. Article Oakland County on 8/24/21 issued an Emergency Health Order requiring masks for K-12 students and in daycares.

Minnesota Mask Mandates Expand
Station KMSP in Minnesota published an article with a list of vaccine and mask requirements in Minnesota. The list shows 20 schools or school districts requiring masks for students and staff. Article

Wisconsin Cities Consider Mask Mandates; Dane County Issued Health Order
Racine is the latest Wisconsin city to pass a mask mandate after voting 8-6 on Tuesday to require masks to be worn in indoor public spaces, The Journal Times reported. The Kenosha Common Council will review a proposal for a citywide mask mandate on Sept. 8 after a committee voted against it Monday, Kenosha News reported. Article  Public Health Madison & Dane County on 8/17/21 announced a new Face Covering Emergency Order, which requires that everyone age 2 and older to wear a face covering or mask when in in any enclosed building where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or living unit, could be present. This requirement will remain in effect until September 16.

SOUTH

Judge Blocks Florida Governor’s Ban on School Mask Mandates
A federal judge has issued a ruling blocking Governor Ron DeSantis’ ban on school mask mandates, ruling it unconstitutional. This means that school districts in the state are able to pass their own mandates if they so choose. Despite the judge’s ruling, Florida has instituted financial penalties on two school districts that have chosen to pass mandates – Broward County and Alachua County. Click here to view an article with more information.

Kentucky Governor Announces Plan to Call COVID-19 Special Session
Monday, Governor Andy Beshear stated that he plans to call a COVID-19 related Special Session of the General Assembly, though he did not announced a set date for when this would occur. This comes after a Kentucky judge issued a ruling limiting the emergency powers of the governor. Click here for an article with more information.

Missouri Governor Issues Narrowed COVID-19 State of Emergency Order
Missouri Governor Mike Parson ended the State of Emergency Order that has been in place since the beginning of the pandemic, replacing it with a more narrowed Order. The new Emergency Order focuses on health care and hospital staffing. This Order will be in place until December 31^st, 2021 unless extended. Click here to view the full Order.

Puerto Rico Governor Announces New COVID-19 RestrictionsPuerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi has issued two new Executive Orders reinstating some of the island’s restrictions that had previously been lifted. The first EO requires private public-facing businesses to close between midnight and 5am each day. It goes into effect on 9/2 through 9/23. The sale of alcohol will also be prohibited between midnight and 5am each day. Pierluisi’s second EO extends Puerto Rico’s mask mandate, requiring that face coverings be worn in outdoor open areas where 50+ people are gathered. Masks are already required in indoor areas. Click here to view the Governor’s Press Release with more information.

WEST

Colorado mandates COVID vaccines for health care workers; extends existing COVID-19 restrictions through October 1
Health care workers in the state of Colorado must be vaccinated by the end of October. This mandate applies to staff and any contractors who interact with patients. Health care facilities include assisted living homes, nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, and health clinics. Read the Dept. of Health press release here. Read the order extending the public health restrictions here. 

Hawaiian island of Oahu to require proof of COVID vaccination or negative test to access bars, gyms, restaurants, and movie theatersnegative COVID-19 test for entry to a range of establishments including restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters. The new rules are outlined in the Safe Access Oahu plan here and will be in effect for 60 days.

Idaho Governor Calls Up the National Guard to Help as Hospital Beds Fill
Idaho Governor Brad Little took action as the state’s ICU beds fill up- with only four available beds across the state. The state is adding hundreds of staff, including Idaho National Guardsmen, to help support medical facilities, in the state. Read article here. 

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