The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the COVID-19 vaccine can cause swelling in the lymph nodes in the underarm where women received the shot, which the agency says is normal. But that swelling can appear in mammograms. Here’s what you need to know.
Stories by kristen thometz
2021 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Neighborhood street festivals, art shows, outdoor concerts — including Lollapalooza and the Taste of Chicago — are returning this summer as the Chicago area prepares to fully reopen. Here’s your guide to summer fun.
Pritzker Issues Guidelines Ahead of Full Reopening
People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 should continue to wear face coverings in crowded settings and maintain 6 feet of social distance when inside businesses and venues, even after Illinois moves into phase 5 of its reopening plan, according to new guidance.
Social Media Influencers in Cook County Promote Vaccine: ‘Just Go Do It’
Roughly 50 social media influencers are using their platforms to encourage people to get vaccinated by sharing their own experiences with the shots. “I want to do my part to get back to normal,” said McKinley Nelson of Project sWish.
‘Brain Fog’ Lingers Among COVID-19 Long-Haulers: Study
A DePaul University study of nearly 280 long-haulers — people who experience symptoms of COVID-19 months after their initial diagnosis — found that while most of the symptoms improved over time, some lingered or even got worse.
Cook County Health Closing Half its Mass Vaccination Sites Thursday
COVID-19 mass vaccination sites in Tinley Park, South Holland and River Grove will close Thursday as demand for the vaccine wanes and officials redeploy resources to focus on community-based vaccination efforts.
Local Doctors Address Reports of Heart Inflammation Linked to COVID-19 Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a small number of reports that adolescents and young adults who received the Pfizer or Moderna shot experienced inflammation of the heart muscle.
State Health Officials to Monitor COVID-19 in Wastewater
Health officials are launching a statewide system to monitor COVID-19 and its variants in wastewater that will provide early warnings of a potential outbreak on a county-by-county basis.
As Pandemic Wanes, Event Organizers Plan for Return of Chicago Festivals, Art Shows
Summer is just around the corner and with it comes the return of neighborhood street festivals, art shows and outdoor concerts, including Lollapalooza. We asked some local organizers for their take on the 2021 summer festival season.
Navy Pier Plans to Fully Reopen by Memorial Day Weekend
Starting Thursday, Navy Pier’s indoor spaces will be open to the public as it moves into its second phase of reopening. The iconic lakefront attraction aims to fully reopen by the end of the month.
Do COVID-19 Vaccines Impact Menstrual Cycles?
COVID-19 vaccines can include some common side effects like muscle pain and headache. But can they affect menstrual cycles? Researchers are gathering data to find out.
COVID-19 Vaccines Coming Soon to a Doctor’s Office Near You: Officials
“The days of vaccine scarcity are over,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday. “Today, we’re initiating the expansion of vaccine administration to physician offices across the state of Illinois, allowing them to become COVID-19 vaccine providers for their patients.”
Illinois to Enter Bridge Phase May 14
Illinois is ready to move into the next phase of reopening, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday, and the state could be ready for a full reopening as soon as June 11. What to know about the bridge phase of Illinois’ reopening plan.
‘Unacceptable Disparities’ Persist Among Maternal Deaths: Report
Black women are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts, according to a new report. While that disparity has narrowed, officials say it’s not due to conditions improving for Black women but instead worsening conditions for white women.
Peloton Treadmills Recalled After Death of Child, 72 Injuries
A 6-year-old child recently died after being pulled under the rear of the Peloton Tread+ treadmill, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The company has also received dozens of reports of injuries.
Looking for a Mother’s Day Gift? Get Vaccinated, Cook County Officials Say
Flowers, candy and jewelry are all go-to gifts for mom. But this year, Cook County officials say the No. 1 gift can’t be bought in a store. “This year all your mother wants for Mother’s Day is for you to get vaccinated,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Suburban Cook County Officials Hope to Fully Reopen This Summer
With Chicago officials targeting July 4 as a date to fully reopen, suburban Cook County officials hope to have “a similar, if not identical reopening schedule.”
Cook County Providing Resources, Support for Small Businesses
Cook County officials are marking Small Business Week, which runs through Saturday, with the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting small businesses as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Should I Do With My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?
COVID-19 vaccination cards have become the proverbial golden ticket. But what should you do if you lose it or never get one in the first place? And how do you keep your card safe? Here’s what you need to know.
Suburban Cook County Eases Restrictions on Restaurants, Events
Starting Friday, restaurants in suburban Cook County can serve up to 100 people indoors or no more than 50% capacity, according to officials.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for College Students ‘Under Discussion’: Pritzker
A trio of Chicago colleges have already announced they will require students be vaccinated for COVID-19 ahead of the fall semester. On Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said such a requirement for all college-bound students is “under discussion.”
City Officials Launch $60M Arts Recovery Plan
Arts 77, a new citywide arts recovery and reopening plan named with a nod to Chicago’s 77 community areas, will work to support local artists and organizations, a sector “decimated by the global pandemic,” according to an official.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Pandemic Health Navigator Program
More than 60 community-based organizations and 23 federally qualified health centers are involved in a new program to assist residents who become infected with COVID-19 and to educate people about the vaccines.
Law Requiring Insurance to Cover Donated Breast Milk Gives Preemies ‘Best Possible Chance’
A recently passed Illinois law requiring insurance companies to cover donated breast milk and breast milk fortifiers for infants who are premature or critically ill gives them the “best possible chance” for survival, according to a legislator who sponsored the measure.
CDC Report on Breakthrough COVID-19 Infections Shows Effectiveness of Vaccines
More than 20 residents and staff at skilled nursing facilities in Chicago contracted COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. But a new report shows the majority of those who got sick had no symptoms – and did not spread the virus to others.
Newly Released Suburban Cook County Data Shows Who’s Getting Vaccinated
Black and Latino residents of suburban Cook County, who are more likely to contract COVID-19 and experience severe illness and die, are getting vaccinated at a slower pace than whites and Asians, according to public health officials.
