Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

ATTENTION: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Cook County Health continues to take steps to ensure the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff, working closely with local and state agencies, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and our own Cook County Department of Public Health.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the easiest and most effective way to keep yourself and others safe from the virus. The vaccines are safe and help prevent hospitalizations and death from COVID-19. More than 217 million Americans are fully vaccinated.

If you have not been vaccinated, it is not too late. Please visit myshotcookcounty.com/locations/ for a location nearest you and get your shot today!

As a reminder, it is still safe to come to all Cook County Health locations. Masks are required in all buildings, regardless of a person’s vaccination status. Please make sure to prioritize your health by staying on top of regular visits and checkups with your doctor. Your health is our priority, and we will get through these tough times together.

Stay safe and be well!

Update on Elective Surgeries 

Pre-procedure testing (including dental) is only required for patients with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or had an exposure in the last 7 days prior to the procedure.

Universal Masking

All patients and staff are required to wear a mask when they enter Cook County Health hospitals and clinics. Bandanas, masks with valves or gaiters are not allowed. Cook County Health distributes masks upon entry.

Your mask should cover your nose and your mouth and rest under your chin. It should not be hanging around your neck or arm or under your nose. Avoid touching the mask while using it. To remove the mask, remove it from behind the ears and do not touch the front of the mask.

Visitor Guidelines

Updated: September 27, 2022

The City of Chicago and Cook County is now in a “low” COVID-19 community transmission according to the CDC. CCH has modified the restrictions to allow 2 visitors (over the age of 18) for all patients. All of the other temporary restrictions remain in place.

• No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed in all CCH facilities. Provisions may be made on a case-by-case basis by our Care Team/Infection Control Department for individuals supervising minor children and outpatients requiring mobility or care support.
• All CCH facilities will have a maximum of 2 visitors per day for all patients (Adults, Pediatrics, Inpatients, Labor & Delivery, Emergency Department, and Clinics).
• Visitation hours remain 11:00am-8:00pm. After-hours visitors are not allowed. Exceptions may be made for critically-ill patients, hospice patients, or during a critical life event/decision as determined in collaboration between Medical and Nursing Leadership.

Visitors must always remain masked while in a CCH facility, including in patient room

Accessing Cook County Health Locations

John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital Open Entrances:

1. Main Campus Parking Garage
2. Emergency Department
3. Stroger Entrance 2 (main entrance off Harrison Street)
4. Professional Building at Polk Street

Provident Hospital Open Entrances:

1. Main Entrance
2. Emergency Department

Main garage (entrance located off of Forrestville Avenue) is available for parking.

COVID-19 Testing

Patients who are scheduled for an elective or same-day surgical procedure must have a COVID-19 test completed 72 hours ahead of time; otherwise, your procedure will be cancelled.

All women who are in labor also will be tested.

For your convenience, Cook County Health has COVID-19 testing tents outside of both Stroger Hospital at 1969 W. Ogden Avenue and Provident Hospital at 500 E. 51^st Street. Please click here for more information about Cook County Health testing locations, including testing hours. 

Clinic Setup

While we will continue to offer telehealth services to patients who do not require an in-person visit, our clinics are fully operational and have been outfitted with your health and safety in mind. If you have questions, please contact your provider.

Clinic seating areas have been rearranged or signed to maintain social distancing. Please follow all instructions with regards to seating.

We have also installed plexiglass dividers at the registration areas to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.

What to Do if You Feel Sick

If you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or you have lost your sense of smell or feel like you have the flu, call your provider or the hospital for directions on where to go to be screened and tested.

How to Best Protect Yourself Against Infection

• Wear a mask outside of your home.

• Wash your hands frequently

• Maintain social distancing. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent any type of virus from entering your body.

• Practice respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze; dispose of the used tissue immediately.

• Seek medical care if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

• Stay home if you are feeling sick.

• Get your flu shot.

For additional information and the latest recommendations on how to protect yourself and your family, visit the CDC, Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health websites