Proof Of Vaccination, Negative COVID Test Lifted At United Center

The lifting of the requirement takes place as the arena is preparing to host the NCAA tournament's Midwest Regional on Friday and Sunday.

IDPH 'Closely Monitoring' BA.2 Omicron Subvariant Trends

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois is "currently in a good place" as public health officials prepare for a "potential next wave" of COVID-19.

4th COVID Shot For Those 65+ In IL: Pfizer Asks For Approval

Illinoisans age 65 and older could seen get another COVID-19 vaccine booster.

More Than 7,500 Chicagoans Have Died Of COVID-19 In Two Years

On the eve of a somber anniversary, the city's first coronavirus-related death, Mayor Lightfoot honored the memory of Patricia Frieson.

COVID 2-Year Anniversary: How Illinoisans Coped With The Pandemic

Here's how Illinois Patch readers said the 2 years of the pandemic have affected their lives, finances and mental health.

2 Years Of COVID-19 In Illinois: How Has Your Life Changed?

Two years of masks, e-learning, shutdowns and 32,926 deaths: Illinois will soon mark the second anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.

White House Unveils New COVID Plan: What It Means In Illinois

As IL lifts mask mandates, the White House announces new anti-viral pill availability.

Illinois' Top Doctor Ezike Stepping Down From IDPH After 3 Years

"She will go down in the Illinois history books as a woman who saved lives and changed our state for the better," Pritzker said.

IL Patch Readers Are Split On Whether To Wear Masks Post-Mandate

PATCH POLL RESULTS: More than 48 percent of online survey respondents said they will not wear masks in places where it is not required.

Mask Requirement Lifted At United Center, Proof Of Vax Remains

Masks will be optional starting this week for United Center events, but patrons must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.

Patch Poll: Will You Wear A Mask Without Illinois State Mandate?

Will you continue to wear a mask in places where mask requirements have been lifted? Take the Illinois Patch poll.

Masks Still Required By CTA, Metra Despite Lifting Of Mandate

Public transit, including Chicago city buses and trains along with Metra routes, are not included in Monday's shift to mask optional living.

CDC Updates COVID Mask Guidelines: What It Means In Illinois

Illinois is already lifting its mask mandate as of Feb. 28, while Chicago sheds its proof-of-vaccine mandate.

Experimental Drug Created At UIC Shows Promise In Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

An experimental compound called “XP 524” more than doubled the average survival time in mice with pancreatic cancer.

Where You'll Still Need A Mask After Illinois Mandate Ends

Pritzker's statewide indoor mask mandate will end before next month, but you may still have to wear them in some places.

Illinois Mask Mandate To Be Lifted On Feb. 28, Gov. Pritzker Says

J.B. Pritzker said that drastically lower numbers have made lifting the mandate possible and that schools could go maskless "within weeks".

Chicago Mask, Proof of Vax Mandates To Be Lifted Soon: Officials

Health Commissioner Allison Arwady says more decreases in COVID cases, deaths and hospitalizations could soon bring the mandates to an end.

4th COVID Shot? Some At-Risk Illinois Residents May Be Eligible

The CDC recommended that some people with weakened immune systems get a fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot. Here's what you should know.

14 Illinois Hospitals Ranked Among 2022's Best, 6 In Top 100

A new ranking by Healthgrades evaluates the top 50, 100 and 250 hospitals in America and more than a dozen Illinois hospitals made the list.

Stealth Omicron Becoming Dominant? Too Early To Say: IL Officials

The new COVID-19 variant has become prevalent in Europe and India, but whether it catches on as much in the United States is yet to be seen.

UChicago Medicine To Build $633M Cancer Hospital In Hyde Park

The proposed 500,000 square foot facility would be Chicago's first free-standing cancer center and would free up beds at other hospitals.

Under 5 COVID Vaccine Could Be Available In IL Later This Month

Young children could be eligible for shots later this month and officials say vaccines offer the most protection against hospitalizations.

Latest: Check Hospital Capacity In Chicago Area

Updated federal data shows how many hospital beds are currently filled in Cook County and across IL.

1st 'Stealth Omicron' Case Found In Illinois

Northwestern Medicine said the patient was tested for COVID-19 on Jan. 18 but did not say where in Illinois they live.

Most IL Poll Respondents Report Regular Anxiety, Depression

Patch survey results: Illinois readers who were not bothered by depression and anxiety symptoms were in the minority.

What Does Chicagoans' Poop Tell Us About Coronavirus Case Spread?

KONKOL COLUMN: Tracking the presence of COVID-19 in sewage treatment plants offers an overview of how the virus spreads in neighborhoods.

Free COVID Tests For Vulnerable Illinois ZIP Codes From IDPH

Eligible residents in certain areas of Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties have access to a free test kit, which incudes five rapid tests.

Free N95 Masks In Illinois: Get Them At Walgreens, CVS, Meijer

The federal government is partnering with multiple retail pharmacies in Illinois to distribute free N95 masks.

Illinois' Anti-Smoking Efforts Earn Low Marks In New Report

The American Lung Association’s annual State of Tobacco Control report evaluates states on steps taken to eliminate tobacco use.

COVID-19 Omicron Surge Peaks In Illinois: Analysis

The omicron surge is waning nationwide, giving health experts a glimmer of hope the COVID-19 pandemic is entering a more manageable phase.

Hospital Capacity In Chicago Area: See The Latest

Updated federal data shows how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has affected hospitals in Cook County.

How Are You? IL Patch Survey On Pandemic Anxiety, Depression

TAKE THE PATCH SURVEY: The percentage of Americans suffering from anxiety and depression symptoms has spiked to 32 percent compared to 2019.

How Are You Doing? Coping During America's Pandemic Depression

KONKOL COLUMN: Compared to 2019, when about 11 percent of adults had anxiety and depression, the number of folks in the dumps has spiked.

Pritzker 'Cautiously Optimistic' Illinois Omicron Peak Has Passed

The governor said the recent decline in the number of people with COVID-19 in Illinois hospitals shows masks and vaccines are effective.

Chicago Passes 'Omicron Peak' As Coronavirus Cases Drop: Top Doc

Public health commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady says the city is "a long way from being out of the woods" as the coronavirus crisis continues.

Latest: Check Hospital Capacity In Chicago Area

Here's an update on how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected hospital capacity in Cook County and across IL.

Free COVID-19 Tests: How To Get Them In Illinois

Illinois households can order up to four rapid antigen coronavirus tests from the government to their homes beginning on Wednesday.

Nurses Rally For Better Staffing At Hospitals Amid Omicron Surge

They want safe staffing levels and protections on the job.

Cannabis Compounds Prevented Coronavirus Spread In Lab Study

Tiny molecules in three acid compounds found in hemp prevent coronavirus from infecting human cells, an Oregon State University study found.

IL Deploying More Than 2,000 Healthcare Workers To Overworked Hospitals

The governor said there are already 919 state healthcare workers helping staff hospitals that have been hit hardest by COVID-19 cases.