The deadline for Chicago's employee vaccine mandate has arrived, and the debate over compliance has heightened, with many questioning what it will mean for public safety heading into the weekend.
Plus, Moderna booster shots are now one step closer to reality after an FDA panel vote.
Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today:
Johnson & Johnson Booster Shots: What FDA Panel Vote Means, What's Next
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A panel of U.S. health advisers on Friday endorsed booster doses of Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, but what will that mean for those who got the vaccine and what still needs to happen?
The panel's vote is the first step in a review process that also includes sign-off from the leadership of both the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On Thursday, the same panel unanimously recommended a half-dose booster of the similar Moderna vaccine for certain groups.
The push for boosters kicked off last month after the Food and Drug Administration authorized third doses of the Pfizer vaccine for seniors and younger adults with health problems, jobs or living conditions that place them at higher risk from the coronavirus.
But the J&J decision is more complex.
Illinois Indoor Mask Mandate Won't Change Until These Key Metrics Decline, Pritzker Says
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said it remains too early to give an indication of when he might lift Illinois' indoor mask requirement, even as state COVID-19 metrics continue to dip.
Though the state's test positivity rate is down to 2.5%, Pritzker said health officials must consider all metrics, in addition to other factors.
Pritzker cited rising cases in other states, including nearby Minnesota and Michigan, as well as current hospitalizations here in Illinois, where 1,500 people are in the hospital with coronavirus.
Read more here.
FDA Panel Endorses Booster Shot for J&J COVID-19 Vaccine
A panel of U.S. health advisers endorsed booster doses of Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine Friday, saying they should be offered at least two months after immunization.
J&J has asked the Food and Drug Administration for flexibility with its booster, arguing the extra dose adds important protection as early as two months after initial vaccination -- but that it might work better if people wait until six months later.
Read more here.
Coronavirus in Illinois: 15,669 New COVID Cases, 184 Deaths, 189K Vaccinations in the Past Week
Illinois health officials on Friday reported 15,669 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, along with 184 additional deaths and over 189,000 new vaccine doses administered.
In all, 1,665,777 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state since the pandemic began, according to the latest data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The additional deaths reported this week bring the state to 25,407 confirmed COVID fatalities.
Read more here.
Pritzker Extends Illinois Vaccine Mandate Deadline For Congregate-Setting Workers
The deadline for Illinois workers in state congregate settings to receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine has been extended again, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office confirmed Friday.
Workers in mandated groups, including those who work at Illinois veterans homes and prisons, will now have another two weeks, until Oct. 26, to receive the first dose of a two-dose vaccination series or a single-dose vaccination.
Second doses of the vaccine must be received by 30 days after the first dose, according to the state requirement.
Read more here.
Illinois Health Department Issues New Guidance for Halloween, Fall Festivities
With Halloween just weeks away and fall weather arriving, Illinois' health department on Friday issued new guidance for how to navigate the holiday and fall festivities, including when you should wear masks and things to know for trick-or-treating.
This year, the season will "look a little different," the state's top doctor said, citing readily available vaccines.
“Although we’re still in the pandemic, this Halloween and Fall festivities season will look a little different than last year thanks to the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines that are readily available,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “However, we must still take precautions as not everyone is vaccinated and a vaccine for children younger than 12 year is not yet available."
Here's the guidance from the department.
Chicago Files Complaint Against FOP President Over Push to Defy Vaccine Mandate
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Friday she ordered her office to file a complaint against Chicago's police union and its president, John Catanzara, "for engaging in, supporting, and encouraging a work stoppage or strike."
Noting that Illinois law prohibits sworn officers from engaging in a strike and that the city's agreement with the union has a no strike commitment, Lightfoot said she directed the city's law department to file a Complaint for Injunctive Relief.
"As Chicago’s Mayor, I cannot and will not stand idly by while the rhetoric of conspiracy theorists threatens the health and safety of Chicago’s residents and first responders," Lightfoot said in a statement. "President Catanzara has time and again deliberately misled our police officers by lying about the requirements of the policy and falsely claiming that there will be no repercussions if officers are insubordinate and refuse to follow a City and Department directive or order."
Read more here.
Deadline for Chicago's Employee Vaccine Mandate is Friday. Here's What to Know
The deadline for Chicago's employee vaccine mandate is Friday, raising concerns for some leaders as a standoff between the city and some first responders reaches a pivotal point.
Here's what you should know about the debate and what has happened so far.
Man Stabbed by Woman After Telling Her to Wear Mask in West Town Convenience Store
A woman stabbed and seriously injured a man after he told her to put on a mask inside a West Town convenience store Thursday afternoon.
The woman entered the store in the 500 block of North Halsted Street about 12:35 p.m., according to Chicago police.
A man, 48, told her to put a mask on and she pulled out a knife and stabbed him, police said.
He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition, police said.
Read more here.
What the FDA Panel's Moderna Booster Shot Vote Means and What's Next
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on Thursday endorsed administering lower-dose booster shots of the Moderna vaccine, but what will that mean for those who got the vaccine and what still needs to happen?
The panel's vote is the first step in a review process that also includes sign-off from the leadership of both the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Last month, the FDA authorized booster shots of Pfizer’s vaccine for older Americans and other groups with heightened vulnerability to COVID-19.
Both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson submitted requests for emergency use authorization of their booster shots of the COVID vaccines, though discussions are still ongoing on whether or not they will be authorized.
United Center COVID Rules: What to Know Before Attending Events, Games
Anyone attending events at the United Center, including Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks games, must present either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the venue, according to the facility.
The decision reflects the venue's "continued commitment to providing the best environment for a safe return for all fans and employees" and will also involve arena and team employees, United Center officials said.
The facility's entrance process that includes proof of vaccination will be in effect at all future events and will remain in place until further notice, officials noted.
The United Center also requires that all guests over age 2 wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while inside the facility except when eating and drinking.
Read more here.
Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Lower Sperm Count? Chicago's Top Doc Debunks Vaccine Misinformation on Fertility
Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady on Wednesday debunked a misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccine and male sperm count. She additionally recommended the vaccine for pregnant women.
FDA Panel Endorses Lower-Dose Moderna COVID Shots for Booster
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on Thursday endorsed administering lower-dose booster shots of the Moderna vaccine.
The health advisers to the FDA debated if millions of Americans who received Moderna vaccinations should get a booster shot -- this time, using half the original dose.
Latest update here.
Pritzker Offers to Deploy National Guard in Case of CPD Officer Shortages Amid Vaccine Mandate Standoff
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has offered the assistance of the state's National Guard in the event of possible Chicago police officer shortages after police union leaders urged members to defy the city's vaccine requirement for employees.
City employees face a deadline of Friday to visit a health information portal and give information on whether they've received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Read more here.
Vaccinated People Less Likely to Spread COVID Than Unvaccinated, Top Doc Says
It's a question many have been asking since breakthrough infections were first reported: can you still spread the virus if you are vaccinated and become infected?
The answer is believed to be yes, but Chicago's top doctor said evidence suggests fully vaccinated people have a smaller window to spread it.
"So the vaccine does not 100% stop transmission and it never has," Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said. "But it is the most important thing that decreases your risk of getting COVID... You cannot spread COVID if you are not infected with COVID. And separate from that, if you are vaccinated and you get a breakthrough infection, the time that you could even potentially spread COVID is less than for people who are unvaccinated."
Read more here.
