Cook County has returned to a medium COVID-19 risk level because the daily average of new cases detected fell below 200 per 100,000 people, according to an advisory from the Chicago Department of Public Health. “With the newer and more contagious Omicron subvariants BA.4/.5 now making up the majority of COVID-19 cases in the region, case rates have increased slightly since last week --though the City continues to see lower COVID case rates and hospitalizations than the county as a whole,” officials said in the release.  

Leaders of the American Hotel & Lodging Association will join Chicago business leaders for a news conference at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to “discuss reigniting travel to the Chicago area and the state of hospitality and tourism in the city,” according to an event notice. “Speakers will discuss recent data and opinion research underscoring optimism for reigniting travel to the Chicago area as well as new travel trends and opportunities to attract more travelers to the area.”  

The Pace Suburban Bus system will host virtual public meetings at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 12 p.m. Saturday to discuss the new Pace Pulse rapid bus line along Dempster Street. The meetings will be viewable online.