COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, and severe autoimmune conditions seem to be at a higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
COVID-19 can affect anyone, and the disease can cause symptoms ranging from mild to very severe. For some other illnesses caused by respiratory viruses (such as influenza), some people may be more likely to have severe illness than others because they have characteristics or medical conditions that increase their risk.
The best way to prevent COVID- 19 is by getting vaccinated, wearing a face mask, and being in settings with adequate ventilation.
Keep track of Chicago’s most recent data on COVID through our CDPH Dashboard.
Is this a reportable illness?
This is a reportable illness to CDPH. Please work with your school nurse to confirm this diagnosis, gather the needed information and report as soon as possible but within 48-72 hours.
This is authorized by the IL School Code 105 ILCS 10/6(a)(7)
Individual cases are no longer required to be reported but schools and early childcare settings should continue to report COVID outbreaks, defined as 20% of a cohort or classroom, or 5 or more cases that are epidemiologically linked.
To report cases please call (312) 746-6015, email us at SchoolsCD@cityofchicago.org or complete this REDcap Form
If multiple COVID cases are reported, please use this line list: COVIDLineListSY22-23
What do schools need to do next?
Report clusters (20% of a cohort or classroom) to CDPH via RedCap.
Those who have tested positive should:
Stay home and isolate from others for at least 5 days; may return to school on day 6 if they are symptom free for >24 hours.
Wear a mask when around other people, including around others in the household. Must mask on days 6-10 after returning from isolation.
Avoid sharing personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
Those over the age of 18 can participate in Test-to-Treat
Close Contacts/ Exposed
Those exposed are no longer required to be excluded (quarantine) to COVID-19.
Rather, persons exposed to someone with COVID-19 should wear a well-fitted mask when around others at home or indoors in public for ten days, monitor for symptoms, and test at least five days after the last exposure.
Serial testing may help to identify cases more quickly following a known exposure and may be performed on days 3 and 5.
The school nurse should notify parents of those who have shared a classroom or cohort of suspected positive cases.
Outbreaks: The school nurse should notify CDPH and the affected cohort. This includes close contacts, parents of both close contacts & suspected cases.
