Chicago Mayor Tests Positive for Covid-19 With In-Person Classes Set to Resume

(Bloomberg) -- Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tested positive for Covid-19 as the city continues to contend with a wave of infections. 

“Earlier today, I tested positive for Covid-19,” Lightfoot said in an emailed statement on Tuesday. “I am experiencing cold-like symptoms but otherwise feel fine which I credit to being vaccinated and boosted.”

Lightfoot, who over the last week has been fighting to bring back as many as 330,000 students to in-person learning after the teachers union voted to return to remote instruction, said she will keep working from home and follow government guidelines for isolation.

Chicago’s current daily average test-positivity rate has dipped to 18.9% from 21% a week ago but is still much higher than the 2.5% just two months ago, according to the city’s online dashboard. To control the spread, the city at the start of the year began requiring proof of vaccination for many indoor activities, such as dining. 

The Chicago Teachers Union’s leadership Monday voted to return to classrooms, with the measure now awaiting ratification by the broader membership. Chicago Public Schools is planning to bring students back Wednesday based on results of the membership vote. 

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