On Thursday, July 2, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., issued an Emergency Travel Order directing travelers entering or returning to Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. This includes both Chicago residents returning from travel to a designated state, and travelers arriving in Chicago from a designated state. The Order will go into effect on Monday July 6, 2020, at 12:01am. Below you will find answers to common questions regarding the Emergency Travel Order and how it applies to Chicago residents and visitors.
What Is In The Order
In response to increased and high rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain states within the United States, and to add to Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City is issuing an order applicable to anyone coming into the City from designated states that have a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. This includes both Chicago residents returning from travel to a designated state, and travelers arriving in Chicago from a designated state. Anyone traveling from a designated state is directed to self-quarantine for a 14-day period or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter, from the time of last contact within the designated state, subject to the limited exceptions outlined.
This order applies to those arriving in the City of Chicago while they are in the City of Chicago.
What States Are On The Quarantine List?
A state will be designated if it has a case rate greater than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 resident population, per day, over a 7-day rolling average. Here is a list of states as of July 6, 2020. Please remember that this is a dynamic situation and the list of states is subject to change.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Nevada
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
If You Live Outside Of Chicago And Work In Chicago
Individuals who live outside Chicago but regularly commute into Chicago for work can continue to do so as usual if they have not traveled to a high incidence state. If they have traveled to a high incidence state, they are subject to the “essential worker” conditions and requirements for Chicago residents set forth in this FAQ in order to not have to quarantine.
Penalties For Violating The Order
Individuals found in violation of the Order are subject to fines of $100 – $500 per day, up to $7,000.
How Long Is The Quarantine In Effect?
The Order will be in effect until further notice, and any changes will be based on applicable public health guidance.
Where You Can Go For Additional Information
Here are two links to the City of Chicago for information on the quarantine order:
