CBS Chicago: CTA ridership back to pre-pandemic levels

 

[VIDEO] You see the video above from CBS 2 Chicago, here's something from Crain's

NBC Chicago: Jewel-Osco Stores Reinstate Mask Mandate for Employees Due to High COVID Transmission

 So you won't be surprised when you see workers at your local Jewel stores masked up:

As a new subvariant of omicron continues to spread across the country and COVID cases continue an uptick in Illinois, Jewel-Osco stores are asking employees to once again wear masks.

"Jewel-Osco continues to follow the guidelines set by the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health," a spokesperson from Jewel-Osco said in an email statement to NBC 5. "Due to current high COVID transmission rates in the counties where we have stores, the Distribution Center, and the corporate office we are requiring associates and vendors to wear a mask."

As of Tuesday, 15 counties in Illinois are currently at "high community transmission.

State ends mask mandate on public transit

 I didn't update this when it happened, however, worth sharing for those of you who ride public transportation especially. CTA was still putting up tweets saying mask up until restrictions are lifted and then Gov. Pritzker lifted them on Tuesday the same two as the last two posts.

Governor Pritzker Issues Updated Mask Guidelines to Align with Federal Court Ruling #twill https://t.co/7F6lPi8Pmi

— Gov. Pritzker's Press Office (@ILGovernorPress) April 19, 2022

From the recent press release 

To align with the ending of the enforcement of the federal mask mandate on public transportation following a federal court ruling, Governor Pritzker today announced he will revise Illinois' executive order executive order lifting those requirements for the State of Illinois. As a result, masks will no longer be required on public transit, in public transit hubs, or in airports. Executive Order 2022-06 will be amended to reflect these changes. Local municipalities retain the right to establish their own mitigations, including masking requirements on public transportation.

I also want to add the most recent tweet from CTA on this subject 

In order to align with State guidance, CTA will no longer be requiring masks on public transit. Those who wish to continue masking are encouraged to do so. Please be kind and courteous to fellow riders as we continue to welcome folks back to the CTA.

— cta (@cta) April 19, 2022

From the NBC Chicago article you see where Midway and O'Hare stands with masks, Uber if you use that service, and for those of you who ride Metra & Pace masks are now optional there as well.

NBC Chicago: Are Masks Still Required on Chicago Public Transportation and at Airports?

This is for those of you who go to both Midway or O'Hare to travel. And definitely for those of you who depend on CTA, Metra, or Pace. Masks are still required at least until May 3, 2022 when you're free to go maskless or perhaps sooner who knows.

Here's a tweet from CTA.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) federal directive requiring that all passengers wear a mask over the nose and mouth on public transit has been extended through May 3, 2022.

Until the requirement is lifted, mask up! pic.twitter.com/eZfChKyGnk

— cta (@cta) April 14, 2022

CBS Chicago: Chicago To Lift COVID-19 Mask Mandate On Feb. 28

 

[VIDEO] A step in the right direction. Believe it or not it's been just about two years since this state and other states began their mitigation policies with regards to coronavirus. There were stay-at-home orders, mask mandates, schools were closed, some workplaces were shuttered temporarily, etc.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker already announced an end to the states mask mandate imposed from late last summer. And now the city of Chicago will follow suit. Feb. 28, 2022 the city will end its own mask and vaccine mandates for most public accomodations.

Of course as far as health care facilities or public transportation that hasn't changed as of yet. You still need a mask.

ALSO, forgot to note masks may still be required in the Chicago Public Schools.

CBS Chicago: Workers at south side motor vehicle facility says coronavirus is rampant

[VIDEO] This is out of the Charles Chew Driver Services facility at 99th and King Drive, employees spoke to Jermont Terry hiding their identities over fear of retaliation from the Illinois Secretary of State:

The employees hid their identities, yet spoke out after receiving a letter dated May 1. It warns them someone tested positive for COVID-19 and they were possibly exposed.

“It’s kind of concerning – to not just myself, but everyone else – because we have families to go home to,” the first employee said.

That notice was the second in fewer than three weeks that the Secretary of State sent to employees about a positive case and the chance of exposure. But workers told CBS 2 there is no recommendation or mandate ever to get tested.

And if they do get a COVID test, they say they have to burn up sick time while waiting on the results.

Here's hoping they resolve this as hopefully this state will begin the process of returning to some semblance of normal. 

WTTW: Jahmal Cole - Firsthand Coronavirus

 

[VIDEO] Other than digging out snow in Englewood I haven't showed much of the good work of Chatham's Jahmal Cole of My Block My Hood My City. He's actually running for Congress against Bobby Rush and well we have time to know more about Mr. Cole.

In this video, Cole is showing his operation as he helps seniors during this pandemic. Other than helping to dig out snow for those who need it - and beyond that public market in Englewood he does this for snowed in senior citizens - he's insuring seniors have care packages. Especially those who don't want to go shopping especially for things that were in short supply once we had two weeks to flatten the curve - toilet tissue, face masks, hand sanitizer, Lysol, etc.

March 16, 2021 9th Ward Residents Only

COVID-19 vaccinations for 9th Ward Residents only at the Pullman Community Center. Just follow the instructions on the flyer below. This is from Ald. Beale's email blast to his constituents.

 

Terms for Chicago Teachers to return to the classroom

 If you were concerned about the negotiations between the city and the teacher's union as far as opening public schools back up, here's a post about it from Rich Miller. Gives you a basic idea of what these negotiations are about.

Question of the day https://t.co/Cl8WgNGWB9

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 8, 2021

CPS: All instruction could be halted if teacher's don't return to work

 For those of you concerned about the back and forth between the city and the teacher's union. The union doesn't want teachers to go back to in-person instruction at the schools. If CPS teachers don't return to school all instruction including virtual instruction could come to a halt.

From the Sun-Times

If Chicago teachers collectively refuse to return to their schools on Monday in defiance of Chicago Public Schools’ reopening orders, the district will consider the labor action a strike, schools chief Janice Jackson reiterated Friday, suggesting the outcome could be all classes coming to a halt.

The 25,000 rank-and-file members of the Chicago Teachers Union are voting through Saturday night on a resolution to continue working from home next week because of health concerns tied to in-person work.

CPS officials have said working from home is no longer an option for about 10,000 educators who have been told to report in person, nor for the 3,800 who have been ordered to schools since early January.

The union has repeatedly argued its action Monday would not be a work stoppage since teachers plan to continue working remotely. The CTU’s pending resolution instead says a strike would start if CPS “retaliates” by locking out all its teachers from remote work as it has done with about 90 pre-Kindergarten and special education staff members who were supposed to report to their schools earlier this month but haven’t shown up.

Mayor lifts stay-at-home advisory on Friday

 From WTTW

Mayor Lightfoot's stay-at-home order will expire on Friday.https://t.co/Qyt26nDX2C

— WTTW (Chicago PBS) (@wttw) January 20, 2021

Mayor Lori Lightfoot will allow the advisory that urges Chicagoans to stay home in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 to expire on Friday, officials announced Wednesday.

Lightfoot updated the advisory Monday to reflect Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s decision to lift the toughest restrictions in Chicago after the Illinois Department of Public Health launched a new plan to add hospital staff and beds where the need is greatest.

Although the order issued Monday extended the stay-at-home advisory until Jan. 30, city officials told WTTW News on Wednesday that was an error.

The mayor on Wednesday morning updated the order for the fourth time to allow it to expire at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

“In recent weeks, Chicago has made significant progress in the ongoing fight against the deadly COVID-19 virus,” said Chicago Department of Public Health spokesperson Andy Buchanan. “While there is much more work to be done, we have reached important milestones in curbing the spread of the virus, and we want to thank the countless Chicagoans that continue to do their part to save lives.”

Tribune: COVID-19 in Illinois by the numbers

 Check out this graphic from the Chicago Tribune with regards to where the different regions of this state are as far as positivity rates and hospitalizations. If you're looking for Chicago & Cook County note that theyre basically considered separate "regions" as far as assessing positivity & hospitalizations.

COVID-19 in Illinois by the numbers: Here’s a daily update on key metrics in your area https://t.co/ckrNpwnxLM

— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) December 23, 2020

WTTW: Lightfoot Quietly Extends Stay-At-Home Order Until Jan. 10

 The key word here is quietly:

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Sunday quietly extended the advisory that urges Chicagoans at stay home in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 through Jan. 10 — the day before the first Chicago Public Schools students are set to go back to in-person class.

Lightfoot announced a 30-day stay-at-home advisory on Nov. 12, saying that Chicago was facing a sustained and dire second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The advisory took effect on Nov. 16.

To combat the second wave, Gov. J.B. Pritzker imposed statewide restrictions on Nov. 20 that closed museums, casinos and theaters while limiting the capacity of most stores to 25%, while grocery stores can operate at a maximum capacity of 50%.

Indoor gatherings within private residences are limited to six non-household members but are strongly discouraged, according to the advisory.
...
While Lightfoot can order tighter restrictions than the governor for Chicago, she cannot ease his rules, making the stay-at-home advisory, which she extended for 21 days on Sunday, redundant.

Chicagoans should only leave home to go to work or school, to seek medical care or to shop for groceries or take-out meals, according to the stay-at-home advisory.

Alongside Dr. Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public of Health, Lightfoot warned Nov. 12 that if Chicagoans did not quickly change their behavior and cancel plans to gather in person for Thanksgiving, another 1,000 Chicagoans would die from COVID-19 before the end of 2020.

I can't wait till life starts to get back to some semblance of normal with this vaccine in 2021....

WGN News: Chicago police officer who died while battling COVID-19 lived life to the fullest

 

[VIDEO] WGN has more about Titus Moore, the police officer who was found dead at his home in West Chesterfield earlier this week. Reportedly he was battling the coronavirus.

Glad to see this report that shows the human side of the officer. Condolences to his friends and family.

The Mayor breaks up a gathering on the north lakefront this past weekend

This tweet from over the weekend from Mayor Lori Lightfoot showed up on Instapundit. And I see a number of tweets on twitter that took her well intended post in a bad way.

It's called a pandemic, people. This reckless behavior on Montrose Beach is what will cause us to shut down the parks and lakefront. Don't make us take steps backwards. pic.twitter.com/FHxeYfH7Wf

— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) August 8, 2020

CWB Chicago shared this image of the Mayor at Montrose Beach crashing the so-called party along with her photographer on fb

Furthermore Ed Driscoll at Instapundit noted: "Curiously, none of the articles this weekend by the Chicago Sun Times, ABC’s Chicago affiliate, CBS’s Chicago affiliate, and NBC’s Chicago affiliate mention the July protests or Lightfoot’s blessings."

I admitted to an out of state friend that I miss Rahm Emanuel. He was unpopular as time went on but some of what's been going on in the city it wouldn't have been tolerated with him as mayor. However, the crisis going on he wouldn't let go to waste.

In addition, 2nd City Cop has an interesting post if you go to the bottom of the post about the various machines that exists in Chicago. In a fit of perhaps disrespect they refer to the mayor as Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, perhaps the Mayor will only have one term. We have a while before '23.

Coronavirus: Are we going in the right direction? #Pandemic

[VIDEO] Gov. JB Pritzker noted this yesterday in his usual daily press conferences regarding Illinois' response to coronavirus and now Mayor Lori Lightfoot is noting that Chicago is finally bending the curve with this coronavirus as you see abov. Hearing about both is great news though I realize it'll be some time before the world gets back to normal.

It's encouraging to hear that Gov. Pritzker might be talking about adjustments to his stay-at-home order which is scheduled to expire on April 30, 2020. I look forward to a gradual restart to the economy as I know some many people have suffered financially since there are a lot of people who aren't working. I would say let's gradually get back to normal.

Over at the CapFax the question of the day is whether or not it should be mandated by government that people should have to wear masks in public. I rather hope that we don't do anything that drastic and I already know it's already not very easy to wear a mask all day especially while working. At the same time we want to stop the spread of this virus.

While following the daily number of cases and fatalities with regards to coronavirus Ive mostly been following the information provided by the Illinois Dept. of Public Health. I don't always focus on whatever numbers provided by the Chicago Dept. of Public Health. I often focus on the daily numbers provided by the state. Indeed, check out this page to see all data provided by the city.

Mayor Lightfoot stated in the video above that during March 2020 cases were doubling every two or three days. According to this graph we've arrived at cases doubling every 12 days and its in part thanks to people staying at home.

The latest update by the Chicago Dept. of Public Health which was yesterday there are 9,666 confirmed cases of infections with 347 deaths. Throughout Illinois there are 23,247 cases of infection with 868 deaths and those numbers are also current as of yesterday April 14, 2020.

CTA cleaning #Pandemic

[VIDEO] Since I shared Amtrak's response, what about the response from the Chicago Transit Authority. Unfortunately many Chicagoans have a love hate relationship with their public transportation provider.

I don't often see CTA workers giving the "spit-shine" to at the very least the CTA trains especially when they get into their respective terminals. To be honest it's probably hard to do when say a train get into its final destination and it has to go right out and you have passengers coming around and taking their seats.

Another thing I've noticed on trains during the heat of this pandemic is that increasingly you see homeless people riding the trains. Unfortunately they're just as vulnerable to the coronavirus and I get the idea less likely to seek out medical help for this very dangerous illness. So unfortunately there's that the content with on CTA at all hours.

It's great to see this b-roll footage of CTA workers sanitizing even train stations from handrails to Ventra card machines. It's great to see workers get on the buses and deep clean once their in their respective garages. Indeed, this is also occurring to CTA trains once they're in the yard.

There could be more CTA could do to insure passengers are in a very clean and safe environment on public transportation during this pandemic. Perhaps make more of an effort to keep the homeless from using CTA as a shelter for example - although granted I hear a lot of the shelters are crowded right now.

Another odd thing that has been going on with CTA right now is their attempt to protect their employees, especially bus drivers. CTA riders will have to board the back of the bus now.

To help #KeepTheDistance and better protect you and our frontline workers, beginning today, we’re implementing rear-door boarding on all buses and allowing some buses to run as “drop-off, only” to avoid crowding.

Full details: https://t.co/xFgooEI7lQ pic.twitter.com/5wq3YGDmOj

— cta (@cta) April 9, 2020

While this had in my mind conjured up images of the Montgomery Bus Boycott - and its not really something I've seen discussed in the media - I realize these are not those times. There are reports of CTA bus drivers being diagnosed with coronavirus and have little issue with ensuring their safety. Getting on the bus through the back doors are something we have to get used to for now for the safety of the transit workers.

Not that I advocate for this, however, at least until we get back to normal if you pay cash fare to board a bus CTA isn't collecting your fare. Reportedly, however, they plan to place Ventra card readers at the back of the bus though so far most buses don't use this feature yet.

Business Insider: How Long Will Social Distancing Last? #COVID19

[VIDEO] The purpose of social distancing is to flatten the curve and to help out our hospitals. It's to insure that our hospitals won't get overwhelmed with many cases of coronavirus, especially serious cases. Another aspect of this is to slow down the spread of this virus and many sporting events have been suspended or otherwise delayed until later.

Think about these events will be delayed or canceled

• NBA Playoffs (Regular Season Suspended)
• NHL Playoffs (Regular season suspended)
• NCAA March Madness (Canceled)
• 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games (Postponed) 
• MLB season (Postponed indefinitely)
• Indianapolis 500 (Postponed until September)
• Kentucky Derby (Postponed until September)

Also noted in this video are the stay-at-home orders. It appears indefinitely in states like New York & California. In Illinois it's schedule to end April 7, 2020. Of course other states have enacted stay-at-home orders since then.

Whatever the medical professionals are trying to stem this pandemic, I hope social distancing and other efforts will make this coronavirus a memory.

Silent City

[VIDEO] I found this video via WBBM-AM's website. It shows a city in shutdown, especially since life had changed in light of the coronavirus. Social distancing has become the normal in addition to business shutting down for the protection of customers and workers.

Will the city be back to normal after that stay-at-home order is scheduled to be lifted after April 7, 2020?

Mayor Lightfoot addresses Chicago and extends CPS closure #COVID19

[VIDEO] Mayor Lori Lightfoot addresses Chicagoans on Thursday with regards to the coronavirus outbreak. She announced here that CPS schools will remain closed until April 20, 2020 in order to help slow the spread of the virus.

If you want to read a statement by CPS click here. Since Gov. Pritzker ordered all the state's schools closed last week CPS schools have become food distribution facilities for families with school age children. With that statement that policy will continue during the extension of the schools' closure during this very unprecedented period.