Daywatch: What the CDC mask guidelines mean for Chicago, city expands travel advisory to 14 states and unprecedented passport delays stifle travelers

Good morning, Chicago.

The city is on pace to hit the 200-case-per-day benchmark for potential new restrictions “within the next few days,” according to Chicago’s top doctor, Allison Arwady. The comment came as the city expanded its travel advisory, which now includes 14 states. Arwady also said attendees of Lollapalooza, which is now only one day away, should stay away from the festival if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 — even if they’re fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, with unemployment numbers fluctuating every day, the Tribune will talk to economist Mark Hamrick about economic recovery, gender equality in the workplace and what to expect going forward. Tune in at 12:30 p.m. today on Facebook Live to catch the conversation.

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Simone Biles announced she won’t compete in Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental health. The gymnastics superstar — and reigning Olympic champion — also withdrew from the team event, where the U.S. won silver. The men’s basketball team is back in the win column, while swimmer Katie Ledecky won gold in a new event. And locally, Bartlett’s Kelsey Robinson is out to end the U.S. women’s gold medal drought in volleyball. See who has won medals for Team USA so far — and keep current with Day 5 events here.

Nicole Stock, audience editor

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Illinois follows CDC recommendation that people wear masks indoors in coronavirus hot spots — which right now doesn’t include most of Chicago area

Illinois will follow federal recommendations that even fully vaccinated people should once again wear masks indoors in areas where the coronavirus is surging — which currently does not include most of the Chicago area, state public health officials said Tuesday.

The updated mask guidelines issued Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said masks should be worn indoors by everybody, including the fully inoculated, in areas of “substantial” or “high” transmission.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger praises law enforcement defense of US Capitol on Jan. 6, criticizes fellow Republicans for trying to block probe

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Unprecedented passport application delays stifle Chicago-area travelers. ‘How many times do they have to keep postponing their honeymoon?’

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