Howard Brown will opt out of major festivals due to Delta spread

Howard Brown Health, the most recognizable healthcare provider to the Chicago LGBTQ community, issued a memo to employees, volunteers, and other stakeholders that it will not participate in upcoming summer festivals due to increase in SARS-CoV-2 spread.

This means Howard Brown Health, 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., will not have its own booth at Market Days, August 6-8; nor a contingent to march in the Bud Billiken Parade, August 14; and Chicago Pride Parade, October 3.

"Howard Brown's leadership met with infectious disease professionals and decided it was best not to participate in any group events for the rest of the year," Howard Brown Health said in its memo. "This decision was made due to the rise in COVID cases across the country."

Average daily number of new cases in Chicago is up to 165 per day as of Tuesday, a 76 percent increase over the last week.

Hospitalizations in Chicago are up 5 percent from last week, while deaths are down. The positivity rate in testing is up to 2.6 percent as of Tuesday, up from 1.5 percent last week and 1 percent from the week before.

The medical community is urging Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to reinstate a mask requirement and other additional COVID-19 mitigation precautions. Lightfoot told The New York Times she would if Chicago continues to see a rise in case numbers.

Despite Lightfoot's comments and the worry of health officials, Lollapalooza, one of the largest music festivals in America, is expected to go on as planned this week.

To enter Lollapalooza, concert-goers must provide a printed copy of the official COVID-19 vaccination card, an alternative vaccine record, or negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of entering the Grant Park venue.

For those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, a mask is required at all times while inside the festival.

Howard Brown Health continues to offer the COVID-19 vaccines. People are urged to call (733) 388-1700 for information and to make an appointment.