To:

Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI) Members

From:

Mark Biel, Chief Executive Officer
[email protected] or 217/522-5805 

Re:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – Vaccination Identification Portal Announced; Update on Vaccinations; Update on COVID-19 Cases; ACC COVID-19 Information on State COVID-19 Policy

Vaccination Portal Released: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today a new vaccination portal, Vax Verify, which will allow Illinois residents 18 years and older to check their COVID-19 vaccination record. Vax Verify can be accessed at https://idphportal.illinois.gov.

According to IDPH press release, the verification system follows best practices to protect confidential health information. In order to download proof of vaccination, residents will go through a brief, one-time identity verification process to gain access to their immunization history. The State of Illinois utilizes Experian® as its identity verification service provider. Individuals who have placed a freeze on their credit will need to unfreeze their credit with Experian® and wait 24 hours before completing the registration process. After completing registrations, individuals can re-freeze their credit by contacting Experian®.

After the verification process, individuals can see their own record in the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE).

Immunization records are kept confidential and only the individual can access their vaccination history. Some individuals with very common names will need to take additional steps to securely prove their identities.

Update on Vaccinations: A total of 13,410,497 vaccines have been administered to Illinois residents. The average number of vaccines administered daily is 23,631.  According to the state’s vaccine administration data, 51.2% of the state’s overall population have been fully vaccinated with DuPage County leading the state with 61% of its population fully vaccinated.

Here’s how the rest of the state’s population by age groups ranks in terms of vaccinations:

12 years of age and older – 57% fully vaccinated; 74% one dose administered
18 years of age and older – 59% fully vaccinated; 76% one dose administered
65 years of age and older – 76% fully vaccinated; 92% one dose administered             

Additionally, the state has updated its COVID-19 website containing current locations and other pertinent information on one webpage.

Update on COVID-19 Cases: IDPH is reporting 1,451,094 positive tests of COVID-19 in Illinois, an average increase of 2,975 positive tests per day since last reported here 7 days ago on August 4.  In total, 27,464,864 tests have now been conducted in Illinois for the virus, an average increase of 58,345 per day since August 4. 

The state’s average positivity rate over all 11 regions is at 5.1% since August 4.  You can see where the various regions are at in terms of their positivity rates, hospitalizations, and other metrics at this link

Unfortunately, IDPH is reporting a total of 23,551 deaths, an average increase of 11 per day since August 4.

You can also check where these cases are occurring at the State of Illinois COVID-19 website which also contains more information on this outbreak.

Also, IDPH has a case breakdown of the number of positive cases in Chicago and each county relative to the number of fatalities.  The IDPH website also now includes a breakdown of the cases under each zip code in the state.

For information on other states and countries, John Hopkins University has developed this website that provides invaluable resources at a one-stop location detailing testing and tracing trends, timelines of COVID-19 policies, vaccinations, and interactive maps.

ACC COVID-19 Information on State COVID-19 Policy:

Northeast 

New York: Counties and municipalities urged to implement mask requirements; City of Albany adopts mask mandate for city buildings

  • New York State doesn’t have a mask mandate but Governor Cuomo urged counties to implement their own mask mandates and also urged municipalities and schools to mandate masks or test workers weekly. New York State Association of County Health Officials endorsed the CDC’s guidelines for universal mask wearing, regardless of a person's vaccination status. 
  • The CDC on Aug. 10 reported that 77% of counties in New York should be recommending guidelines suggesting that masks are worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.
  • All people regardless of vaccination status have to wear masks in city buildings in Albany as announced on Aug. 6.
  • A federal judge dismissed Amazon’s lawsuit to block the NYS Attorney General from investigating whether the company is doing enough to protect warehouse workers from COVID, stating, "The state has a legitimate interest in ensuring that employers are complying with state labor laws, are enforcing important health safety measures, and are sanctioned for illegal conduct that occurs within the state."

Connecticut: New Haven, Hartford and Stamford issue mask mandates; Governor signs EO mandating long term care workers are vaccinated

  • The Connecticut Department of Public Health said it strongly recommends that all residents, regardless of their vaccination status or location, wear a mask indoors, however there is no statewide mask mandate. The Hartford Courant  reported that Hartford and New Haven counties have high transmissions while CT’s other six counties have substantial transmission.
  • The City of New Haven was the first to re-establish a mask mandate on Aug. 9. New Haven now has a mask mandate regardless of vaccination status for all indoor retail and restaurant establishments. Hartford also has an indoor mask mandate effective Aug. 10. Stamford is the third city with an indoor mask mandate effective Aug. 12, and the city will require masks at outdoor gatherings of 100 people or more.
  • Governor Lamont signed an Executive Order requiring that all workers in long term care facilities are vaccinated or the facility could face a civil penalty of $20,000 per day. This includes residential care homes, assisted living services agencies, chronic disease hospitals, managed residential communities, and intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities. Workers must receive the first dose by Sept. 7.

New Jersey Governor issues mask mandate for schools

  • New Jersey Governor Murphy issued an Executive Order establishing a mask mandate in schools for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Some NJ parents have filed a lawsuit challenging the mask policy. All of the state’s counties have substantial or high transmission rates and health officials recommend masks indoors.

Vermont has growing transmission rates but no new statewide mandates

  • Three counties show high transmission rates and three others show substantial transmission rates. The Governor has not issued any statewide changes to vaccination or masking policies.
  • UVM Health Network and five other hospitals have issued vaccine requirements for workers; UVM also mandated universal indoor mask wearing. All students must be vaccinated, but there is no vaccination mandate for faculty and staff. 

 Massachusetts sees increasing number of localities establishing mask mandates

  • NBC Boston reports that the MA Department of Health has tracked nearly 10,000 breakthrough cases with 100 deaths reported. A CDC study showed that 74% of people infected with COVID-19 were fully vaccinated.
  • Six MA counties are deemed high risk while most of the state is at risk of substantial transmission, which means people in 13 of the state’s 14 counties are urged to mask up indoors.
  • The town of Salem announced a mask mandate in schools and businesses regardless of vaccination status. Several other MA towns and cities also have announced mask requirements or guidance including Wellfleet, Somerville, Provincetown, Arlington, Nantucket, Cambridge, Brookline, Framingham, Lawrence, Northampton, Revere, and Belmont.
  • Two of the state’s largest hospitals and UMass Medical School announced that they will require workers to be vaccinated.
  • The Commonwealth does not plan to issue a mask mandate for schools but is leaving it up to school districts.

Maine: Reports an 80% vaccination rate; Eight counties meet CDC threshold for mask guidance

  • Eight Maine counties now meet the threshold for the CDC’s guidance on universal mask wearing. Masks are now recommended indoors in Cumberland, Kennebec, Piscataquis Penobscot, Waldo, York, Somerset and Lincoln counties.
  • At least 80% of Adults in Maine have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Other NE states that have passed the 80% mark include VT, MA, CT for people 12 and older fully vaccinated. 

Rhode Island to require vaccinations for healthcare workers as of Oct. 1

Mid-Atlantic 

Mayor Bowser Announces All D.C. Government Employee Are Required to Get Vaccinated

  • On Tuesday, Mayor Bowser announced that the vaccine for COVID will be required for all D.C. Government employees who work in agencies that report to the Mayor. Employees will have until September 19, 2021 to meet the job requirement of being fully vaccinated. Those not vaccinated must be tested every week.

Delaware Governor Carney Announces Mask Requirements in K-12 Schools, Child Care Centers, State Facilities

  • On Tuesday, Governor Carney announced that everyone kindergarten-age and older in K-12 schools and child care homes and centers must wear face coverings indoors effective on Monday, August 16 – regardless of vaccination status. The requirement covers both public and private schools in Delaware. Additionally, Governor Carney announced that state employees and visitors to Delaware state facilities must wear masks indoors, starting Monday, August 16. This applies to all individuals, regardless of their vaccination status.

 Maryland Governor Hogan Announces New Vaccination Protocols for State Employees and “Don’t Wait, Vaccinate” Campaign

  • Last week, Governor Hogan announced new vaccination protocols for state employees who work in congregate settings. Starting September 1, 2021, employees will have to show proof of first vaccine or submit to regular COVID testing.
  • On Monday, Governor Hogan announced “Don’t Wait, Vaccinate,” a new campaign to encourage parents and guardians to get their children caught up on routine vaccinations prior to the beginning of the new school year.

 Ohio Governor DeWine Holds Press Conference to Address Ohio COVID Trends

  • Last week, Governor DeWine held his first COVID press conference in weeks. He addressed the Delta Variant and encouraged everyone to get vaccinated.

Pennsylvania Governor Wolf Announces ‘Vaccine or Test’ Requirement for ​Commonwealth Employees in Health Care and High-Risk Congregate Facilities

  • On Tuesday, Governor Wolf announced that commonwealth employees in state health care facilities and high-risk congregate care facilities will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID by September 7, 2021. Individuals who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID testing. Additionally, beginning September 7, all new external hires in these facilities must be vaccinated before commencing employment. He also announced starting October 1, 2021, ​all vaccinated state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction are eligible for an additional 7.5 or 8 hours paid time off. 

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney Announces COVID Restrictions

  • On August 11, Philadelphia announced new COVID restrictions that begin at midnight on August 12, 2021. The restrictions require masks to be worn indoors unless the business requires proof of vaccination for all customers and staff. Effective Sept. 1, all new city employees must be vaccinated. Current city employees must be vaccinated or they must work in enclosed spaces with double masks.

 Virginia Governor Northam Will Require Vaccines for all Virginia State Employees

  • Last week, Governor Northam announced state employees in Virginia must show proof of vaccination by September 1, 2021 or get tested weekly

Midwest

Illinois Governor Sets Mask Mandate for Schools, Long-term Care Facilities

  • Governor J.B. Pritzker on 8/4/21 issued Executive Order 2021-18, which requires masks for students, teachers, and staff at pre-kindergarten-12th grade schools and day cares, consistent with the CDC guidance and requires universal masking in private long-term care facilities.

Indiana Tells Employers About Federal Tax Credit for Vaccination Time-Off

  • The Indiana Department of Health announced in its 8/4/21 vaccine update that expanded federal tax credits are available to employers for paid leave to incentivize time off for employees and their families to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The credits are available for employers with fewer than 500 employees.  The state posted the FAQ’s from the Internal Revenue Service website.

Michigan Urges Symptomatic Residents to Get Tested for Free; Grand Rapids Orders Masks for City Offices

  • The state COVID-19 has posted a reminder “Don't Bring COVID-19 Home. Get Tested Today At No Cost,” noting that anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, even those who are fully vaccinated or have already had COVID-19. The website states that there are many locations to get tested at no cost, and provides a website and phone number for finding a testing site: COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, press 2 for help finding a test site.
  • The city of Grand Rapids on 8/11/21 announced that its employees are required to wear masks indoors where six feet of social distancing is not possible. Community members attending meetings or visiting City buildings will be requested to wear masks and will be provided masks, if needed. City employees may request that an individual wear a mask when receiving service or ask unmasked individuals to move to an appropriate space where distancing is possible. 

Wisconsin Orders State Employees and Contractors to Wear Masks

  • The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the state Department of Administration on 8/4/21 ordered all state employees and contractors to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status. The newspaper also reported that two of the largest University of Wisconsin schools, in Madison and Milwaukee, also put in place their own mask requirements. The department requirement does not apply to those who work for the Legislature, the state court system, UW schools and state technical colleges. Those entities all set their own policies.  Article

South

Kentucky Governor Orders Masks in Schools, Child Care Settings

  • Governor Andy Beshear announced that he will issue an Executive Order requiring masks in all schools and child care settings. The Order goes into effect on 8/10 for 30 days. Click here to view the full order. 

Puerto Rico Expands List of Individuals Required to Receive Vaccine

  • In addition to his order requiring all state workers to be vaccinated, Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi will now require all government contractors, hotel guests, and healthcare facility workers to be vaccinated. Click here to view an article with more information. 

South Carolina Governor Will Not Allow School Mask Mandates

  • Governor Henry McMaster announced that no schools in the state will be allowed to pass mask mandates. He stated that the choice should be left up to parents. Click here to view an article with more information. 

West

California Governor announces new policy that all school district employees get vaccinated or undergo testing

  • The Governor announced today that he is implementing a statewide vaccination mandate for school teachers and other school employees. Under a new Executive Order the Governor will issue, employees may either furnish proof of vaccination or undergo regular COVID-19 testing. This mirrors the Order already in place that all healthcare workers be vaccinated or undergo testing. The Governor made a point to say that this is the first such policy in the nation. https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1425522722168213504?s=20

Oregon Governor Brings Back Mask Mandate

  • Oregon Governor Kate Brown has announced that all Oregonians must mask up indoors regardless of vaccination status. The announcement made Tuesday was followed by a formal order today that specifies the mask mandate will be effective as of this Friday. Governor Brown also announced all state workers will now be required to show proof of vaccination status. Link here

Wyoming Governor Announces He Will Not Issue Statewide Mask Mandate

  • Governor Mark Gordon announced late last week that will not issue another statewide mask mandate. He also won’t require school districts to implement one and will allow them to enact any mandates as they see fit. Link here.

 

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