With all the commotion and at times confusion generated by the recent changes in CDC guidelines relative to COVID-19, one question has reined above all others: Why do we still require face coverings?

Most residents are probably aware of Mayor Lightfoot’s most recent announcement regarding the new guidelines from the CDC, which state that if you are fully vaccinated you no longer need to wear face coverings in public places.  However, unless Chicago businesses can verify that individuals are fully vaccinated, officials recommend keeping in place rules requiring everyone to wear a face covering until the City fully reopens.  The City of Chicago’s Executive Order still requires the use of masks in common areas of multi-family residential buildings (such as Park Tower) until further notice and particularly so if we don’t verify vaccinations and cannot guarantee residents can go to and from their units and maintain 6′ of social distancing.

Management has reviewed MULTIPLE legal opinions in this regard, all supporting that face coverings should remain mandatory for the time being. The biggest reasons: 1. There is no efficient way for us to require and verify proof of everyone’s vaccinations, and 2. There are numerous locations within Park Tower where 6′ of distance between individuals cannot be guaranteed.

Considering this, the policies requiring individuals to wear masks and maintain a reasonable distance in shared spaces remain in place at this time.

While Chicago is seeing continued progress in its efforts to help stop Covid and reduce it from spreading –  we support the City’s recommendation to continue to adhere to the recommended guidelines regarding the wearing of masks. The pandemic is not over yet. As guidelines and restrictions are modified by state and city, policies here will be updated accordingly.

We thank everyone in advance for their continued patience and understanding.  We’re almost there!!!!