Chicago moving forward with migrant shelter evictions amid measles outbreak at Pilsen site
CHICAGO — The Chicago Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that a measles outbreak at the city’s largest shelter continues to spread. Two more cases have been confirmed, totaling 10.
CDPH says the two new cases are children, one of which is from the Pilsen migrant shelter, bringing the total number of cases — five children and three adults — at the temporary housing site to eight.
Despite a measles outbreak that has one site under a 21-day quarantine, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson indicated on Wednesday that evictions tied to the 60-day limit on migrant shelter stays would proceed, beginning at the end of the week.
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“[Asylum seekers] can return to the loading zone…or they can decide to move on. They don’t necessarily have to remain within the structure we’re providing,” Johnson said.
In a letter obtained by WGN News, more than a dozen aldermen on Tuesday asked Johnson to rescind the eviction policy. In response, Johnson said there would be exceptions.
“Individuals who are in the process of securing housing or outmigration (or) if there are other extenuating circumstances around their health or pregnancy,” Johnson said.
Johnson added that asylum seekers who aren’t exempt may reapply for residence at the temporary shelter and would be considered if beds are available.
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The news comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) representatives remain in Chicago in response to containment efforts.
“This is an unprecedented situation,” said Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Igem, commissioner for Chicago Public Health.
CDPH says health officials worked around the clock over the weekend to vaccinate more than 900 people, nearly half of the shelter’s population. Due to the time it takes to develop immunity, the 21-day quarantine remains in effect.
“Those who are immune have a card that says, ‘I’m immune. I can go in and out,'” Ige said. “Those who are not immune have cards that say, ‘Quarantine.'”
The city’s public health commissioner urged anyone who isn’t vaccinated against measles to do so.
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“If you are not vaccinated, please get vaccinated,” Ige said. “This is the way to stop the spread of measles in our city.”
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