With the new year comes a new set of health orders and employer obligations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a last-minute holiday present to Chicago businesses, the City announced a new public health order mandating that covered businesses require patrons as young as 5 years old to present proof of full vaccination, and require unvaccinated employees to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. A few days after Chicago's announcement, Cook County followed suit, announcing its own health order with commensurate obligations.

How should employers prepare? Much's Labor & Employment team outlines the key elements of the City and County orders, including guidance on what employers should do now.

When do the new requirements take effect?

Both the Chicago order and the Cook County order (together, the "Orders") take effect January 3, 2022.

Are small employers covered, or just larger employers?

Employers of any size are subject to the Orders, provided they operate one or more "Covered Locations."

What is a "Covered Location"?

In general, the Orders cover restaurants and bars, fitness and exercise venues, as well as entertainment and recreational venues where food and drinks are served. As stated in the Orders, "Covered Locations" are:

• Establishments where food or beverages are served including, but not limited to, restaurants, bars, fast food establishments, coffee shops, tasting rooms, cafeterias, food courts, dining areas of grocery stores, breweries, wineries, distilleries,...

Read Full Story: https://www.natlawreview.com/article/new-year-new-rules-chicago-employers-nav...