Vaccinations May Be Required To Attend Summer Events In Chicago

CHICAGO — With vaccine availability increasing and coronavirus cases on the decline, city public health officials say they're planning for a summer of eased social distance restrictions.

Public health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady on Tuesday said Chicagoans will never be required to get vaccinated. But as city leaders plan for a post-pandemic return to public gatherings, "We are certainly thinking a lot about people who are fully vaccinated, and opportunities for them to do certain things," she said.

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Arwady said she expects to announce in May the launch of a "vax pass" smartphone application that could be used by event organizers to require people to prove they have been fully vaccinated.

Arwady would not give details about the vaccination passport plan.

"I think increasingly where people are wanting to do things and lower their risk, vaccination is going to be their ticket to doing that," she said.

Arwady offered some advice for folks who are looking forward to summer events in Chicago.

"You want to be part of the fun? Get vaccinated," she said.