We are pleased to share that the Cook County Department of Public Health has clarified the mitigation order and has exempted park districts from the order as detailed below:
- An individual 18 years of age or younger who enters a business subject to this Order to participate in an activity sponsored by a school, park district, child care or after-school program, or other organizations as defined in guidance by the Cook County Department of Public Health
- Youth or adults participating in special recreation programs
- Spectators of indoor sporting events provided that no food or drink is being served and that they remain masked at all time
This exemption allows Streamwood Park District programs and leagues to continue to provide social equity.
See the official media release from the CCDPH below.
MEDIA STATEMENT BY
THE COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Dec. 31, 2021
Today Cook County Department of Public Health* is clarifying Mitigation Order 2021-11 to specify what will be allowed in youth athletics. CCDPH is acting in alignment with the Chicago Department of Public Health to have a consistent policy across Cook County and in response to requests for clarification related to youth athletics and recreation. CCDPH will continue to evaluate emerging science along with the impact of its orders and guidance and make necessary adjustments as needed.
The clarifying language states that the following are exempt from the order:
- An individual 18 years of age or younger who enters a business subject to this Order to participate in an activity sponsored by a school, park district, child care or after-school program, or other organizations as defined in guidance by the Cook County Department of Public Health
- Youth or adults participating in special recreation programs
- Spectators of indoor sporting events provided that no food or drink is being served and that they remain masked at all time
Masking requirements are still in place in these facilities. Other fitness facilities in these buildings, such as fitness centers for individual workouts or group classes for adults are still covered under the masking and vaccination orders.
An updated order and guidance will be issued and effective Monday, January 3, 2022.
*CCDPH’s jurisdiction includes suburban Cook County, minus Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park and Stickney Township.
Dr. Rachel Rubin
Dr. Kiran Joshi
Co-Leads and Senior Medical Officers
Cook County Department of Public Health