Evanston has joined the list of Chicagoland communities requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for people entering many venues, including restaurants, bars, entertainment establishment, fitness facilities and the city’s public library.
City officials issued statements Jan. 3 announcing the order, which goes into effect Monday — with no specific end date.
“Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in Evanston and across the state, the City of Evanston’s Health & Human Services Department today issued a new mitigation order requiring proof of vaccination for customers of indoor settings where food and drink are served for on-site consumption, such as restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, and in fitness facilities starting January 10, 2022,” the statement reads.
In an email interview with Pioneer Press, HHS Director Ike Ogbo, said the move was made to “help keep their customers and staff safe as we experience an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases and an increase in hospitalizations.”
He said the city’s move aligns with what area municipalities, including the county, are doing.
“This is a very challenging time for everyone, including local businesses, and we appreciate the community’s continued adherence to public health guidance,” said Ogbo.
Ogbo said Evanston’s order will remain in place without a stated end date, but it may be adjusted when the current surge in cases is “substantially controlled.”
He said HHS “will continue to monitor local public health data, including cases and hospitalizations, to make informed decisions as well monitor mitigations issued by Cook County and the city of Chicago to determine their necessity.”
Cook County and Chicago imposed a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for those age 5 and older who patronize restaurants, bars, gyms and an assortment of other businesses. The mandate for suburban Cook County took effect Jan. 3, as did Chicago’s. But Evanston was exempt from the Cook County order because it has its own health department, officials said.
The Evanston Public Library will also require patrons to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations starting Monday, library officials said in news release.
“Individuals five years and older will be required to show proof of vaccination status to enter Evanston Public Library facilities in line with a citywide mandate designed to slow the current surge in COVID-19 cases,” officials said in the release. “Patrons will be asked to provide photo identification if they are 16 years of age or older, as well as recognized proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination can include a CDC COVID-19 vaccination card, an official immunization record, a photo of their vaccination card, or an app providing a digital vaccination record. Face masks also continue to be required.”
The release from the library said that many of its scheduled programs have been moved to an online format and that patrons are invited to watch “storytime, join in on a book discussion, or learn a new skill from the comfort of your home.”
Curbside pickup is still available to all patrons and materials can be reserved online, library officials said. Patrons may also download ebooks, audiobooks, movies and more, according to the release.
Ogbo said community members can call the city’s 311 line to report violations to the order.
He said HHS “will review and respond” to the reports.
The city of Evanston’s website stated, as of Jan. 3, there were 8,119 total COVID-19 cases in the north suburb and 129 deaths.
According to the Evanston order, establishments subject to its mandate include all indoor settings where food and drink are served for on-premises consumption such as restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, event spaces. The order states that additional establishments subject to the order include movie theaters, performance spaces, health clubs, gyms, fitness studios and recreation centers.
The mandate does not apply to “houses of worship,” soup kitchens or “indoor locations in a residential or office building the use of which is limited to residents, owners or tenants of that building,” officials explained. In addition, it does not apply to patrons entering a restaurant for less than 10 minutes to pick up food or to use the restroom, or to schools or child care centers.
The city is also offering business owners such resources as vaccine signage to post on their door and a proof of vaccination compliance plan. Additionally, the city had scheduled a Jan. 4 virtual Q&A for business owners and employees to provide information and answer questions regarding the new mitigations.
Brian L. Cox is a freelancer.
