It’s been six years since the pandemic shutdown the world, including many businesses in Chicago.

But when it comes to the courts in the State of Illinois, COVID is officially over.
Attorney Howard Ankin was quick to point out this fact that got overlooked by many on February 23, 2026.
That was when the Illinois Supreme court ordered all judges who had remained remote since the pandemic back to the courtroom. It also said that all legal decisions by judges must be made in-person on the bench.
Howard was quick to point out that Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45 does allow for some modifications to it, but judges are now required to be in the court like they were before March 2020.
This knowledge of the courts is a major advantage that Ankin Law has since we focus our personal injury practice in Chicagoland and Illinois.
Click on the video to hear Howard talk more about this ruling that essentially ends COVID in the Illinois courts in the video.