Dear Docents –
As we enter the summer months, the hot weather is coming quickly and starting tomorrow we will be experiencing near 90 degree temperatures through Monday.
If you are giving a walking tour, please ensure your safety and well-being of our guests as well.
- Stay hydrated and bring water on your tour (the CAC will have water available for you as well)
- Adjust your tour as needed to allow for a longer shaded break or to walk at a slower pace
- Check-in with the guests to see how they are coping with the heat
Masks –
There has been some questions if we are still requiring masks on tours and the short answer is “Yes”. We are following the city guidelines put out by Dr. (and CAC Docent) Allison Arwady. At the end of this email is the recommendation from the City which we are following. As we cannot verify the vaccination of everyone joining us on tours, masks are still recommended during the Bridge Phase before Phase 5. We want everyone to feel safe and welcome on our tours during this last phase before full re-opening.
However, we also recognize that you and your guests may become over-heated with masks during very warm weather. Therefore, if you or a guest needs to remove their mask, please ensure that proper social distancing is maintained while people cool down and/or drink water to stay hydrated.
We are excited that so many guests are visiting us and thank you for all you do to welcome them on our tours. We appreciate your help in being a good partner of the City as we follow the Bridge Phase recommendations. Hopefully, Phase 5 will be here very soon!
Thank you – Caroline Duda and Michael Malak
From the City of Chicago . . .
Masks
Beginning Tuesday, May 18, following guidance from the CDC and the State of Illinois, and recognizing how safe and effective the COVID vaccine is, the City of Chicago will no longer require masks for fully vaccinated people in most settings, including businesses. In alignment with federal and state guidelines, masks will still be required, regardless of vaccination status, in health care settings, schools, correctional/congregate settings, and on public transportation.
Businesses are strongly encouraged to verify vaccination status before allowing customers and/or employees to not wear face coverings. The City also strongly encourages businesses to continue requiring face coverings in all indoor settings in Chicago until we enter Phase Five and all regulations are lifted, especially if businesses do not have the capacity to verify vaccination status or if employees, clients or attendees are not all known to be vaccinated.