COVID-19 in Chicago Updates: What Parents Need to Know

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic began in Illinois back in 2020 and even now, it’s still hard for us not have coronavirus on our minds. As parents, there are so many changes that happened in our lives since then, from keeping our family and others safe by staying home or assisting remote learning with our children.

Back in March 2020, we created this guide to navigate parents during this pandemic. While more and more individuals are getting vaccinated, we still worry about our children under the age of 12 that do not qualify for the vaccine yet. This updated guide below will keep you up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information.

Here is what Chicago parents need to know about the coronavirus pandemic, including prevention tips, remote learning, family-safe activities and ways to help. Stay safe!

COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

What is coronavirus? Coronaviruses are part of a group of viruses that can cause a mild illness like the common cold. More recently caused by a novel coronavirus, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that has caused outbreaks of mild and severe respiratory illness around the world, according to Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Larry Kociolek of Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

Some precautions families should take:

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Stay home if sick.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Stay away from other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your area, especially for people who are at higher risk of getting sick.

Wear a face mask if you’re not fully vaccinated and when you’re not able to social distance from others.

Follow the latest information on receiving a COVID-19 vaccine at Illinois Department of Public Health’s website and find more COVID-19 resources below.

MORE RESOURCES

Health

5 Ways to Prepare Your Kids for the COVID-19 Vaccine

Paige Twenter - June 20, 2022 0

Have a shot-wary kid? Here’s how to prepare them.

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Omicron Variant: What Parents Need to Know

Paige Twenter - January 14, 2022 0

The pronunciation doesn't matter — just know that the new variant is the most contagious COVID-19 strain so far.

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How to Navigate the Holidays as COVID-19 Lingers

Chicago Parent Editorial Team - November 5, 2021 0

With a little prep, you can safely celebrate the holidays during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5 to 11 Receives Final Approval

Paige Twenter - November 3, 2021 0

FDA Advisory Panel voted 17-0 to recommend the Pfizer vaccine.

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What to Do If Your Child Is Exposed to COVID-19

Chicago Parent Editorial Team - September 14, 2021 0

Here are some tips and next steps to follow if your child is exposed.

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How to Help Kids Get Used to Being Around People Again

Amanda Rahn - September 1, 2021 0

Families are navigating new types of anxieties.

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COVID-19 Vaccine: What Parents Need to Know

Wensday Von Buskirk - August 12, 2021 0

We answer your questions.

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Kids Wearing Face Masks: Here’s What Parents Need to Know

Chicago Parent Staff -

August 4, 2021 0

Tips and how to talk to kids about them.

EDUCATION DURING THE PANDEMIC

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Chicagoland families are dealing with remote learning and transitioning kids back to in-person learning. This has become a challenging time for parents and teachers as they try to navigate students in this new normal.

We’ve covered a variety of education topics over the past year but with back-to-school season around the corner, here are some helpful resources to keep your kids on track for the upcoming school year.

School Issues

The Kids Are Not All Right: Learning Losses from COVID-19

Danielle Braff - January 6, 2022 0

With teacher and supple shortages, fluctuating COVID numbers and learning losses, how are Illinois' kids really faring?

24 Online Learning Resources for Kids

8 Ways to Bring Mindfulness Into Your Remote Learning Routine

Setting Up a Pandemic Pod for Your Child

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AT-HOME ACTIVITIES

While the stay-at-home order has been lifted in Illinois, social distancing and quarantining are still important practices to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Families might get bored staying at home, but there are plenty of indoor activities to keep kids busy.

Watching movies is a great way to pass the time, too. Follow our Watch This, Do That series where we feature fun kids’ activities inspired by your favorite movies. Movies that we’ve featured include Black Panther, Frozen, Despicable Me and Mary Poppins.

Find more at-home activities to enjoy with your family below.

At Home

Free and Creative Coloring Pages for Kids of All Ages

Chicago Parent Editorial Team - May 19, 2023 0

Kids can get creative with these fun and free coloring pages for kids, which include friendly monsters, Disney characters and more.

At Home

Free Online Workouts To Keep Your Family Energized

Katina Beniaris -

January 18, 2023 0

Try these free online workouts to get your whole family in shape.

At Home

How to Build the Ultimate Indoor Obstacle Course at Your House

Stacey Winconek -

July 2, 2022 0

For preschoolers, tweens and more.

At Home

17 Ways to ‘Visit’ Your Favorite Chicago Places Without Leaving The House

Chicago Parent Staff -

August 23, 2021 0

Virtual classes, tours, storytimes and more.

At-Home Learning

12 Podcasts You’ll Enjoy Listening to With Your Kids

Lori Orlinsky -

April 26, 2021 0

Listen in.

At Home

12 Fun Virtual Backgrounds to Add to Your Next Video Call

Katina Beniaris -

January 4, 2021 0

Pixar, Sesame Street and more.

COVID-19 IN CHICAGOLAND

Since June 2021, Illinois reached Phase 5 of the state’s Restore Illinois Plan. We are seeing more attractions reopening this summer. We’re also excited to see the return of many of our favorite Chicagoland traditions like summer fests and museum exhibits.

Of course, as the pandemic continues, we have the latest information to keep families up-to-date on how COVID-19 is impacting the Chicago area.

Outdoors

Cruise These Kid-Friendly Bike Trails in Chicagoland

Nikki Roberts - May 13, 2024 0

Take in some sweet views on these biking trails for kids around Chicago and the suburbs.

What Chicago’s COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Means for Families

Chicagoland Attractions Set Reopening Plans

What Does Phase 5 Mean for Chicago Families?

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WAYS TO HELP

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit hard for our small businesses and communities. We launched our Look for the Helpers series to feature locals that are helping out. For example, a 7-year-old Chicagoan has sold handmade bracelets and has raised more than $14,000 for Lurie Children’s Hospital. A teen donated her new booklet of puzzles to help entertain hospitalized children and seniors in assisted living facilities. Find more ways on how your family can help with these ideas.

Parenting

7-Year-Old Chicago Girl Sells Bracelets to Raise Money for Hospital Supplies

Chicago Parent Staff -

December 8, 2020 0

“I felt scared and now I feel like I have a purpose," she says.

Things to Do

Local Kids Knit to Help Comfort Others During Pandemic

Lori Orlinsky -

July 30, 2020 0

High school student starts nonprofit Knitting ILY.

Parenting

South Elgin Mom’s Chalk Art Brings Joy to Neighborhood and Beyond

Hillary Bird -

May 21, 2020 0

Mom says she receives as much joy as she gives!

Things to Do

6 Ways Families Can Support Local Heroes

Katina Beniaris -

May 15, 2020 0

Here's how to give back.

Parenting

Amazing Balloon Installations Popping Up at Local Hospitals to Honor Health Care Heroes

Katina Beniaris -

May 12, 2020 0

Luft Balloons is bringing these hospitals so much joy.

Education

Teens Offering Free Tutoring for CPS Students

Chicago Parent Staff -

May 1, 2020 0

Walter Payton College Prep student driven by need to help.

At Home

Kids Are Putting Up Rainbows on Windows While Quarantined

Katina Beniaris - March 23, 2020 0

Families might be stuck inside their homes due to COVID-19 concerns, but you can still share some love during this challenging time. Around the world, children are...

Guides

5 Ways to Support Small Businesses While Stuck Inside

Hillary Bird -

March 13, 2020 0

You can still shop local!

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COVID-19 in Chicago Updates: What Parents Need to Know

Jump To

COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Some precautions families should take:

MORE RESOURCES

EDUCATION DURING THE PANDEMIC

AT-HOME ACTIVITIES

COVID-19 IN CHICAGOLAND

WAYS TO HELP

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