With the highly contagious Delta Variant of COVID-19 rising in Illinois, and low vaccination rates in some parts of the state, Governor JB Pritzker has issued mask mandates for all public schools.
"Effective immediately all P-12 schools and day cares in Illinois must follow the CDC guidance of universal masking inside, regardless of vaccine status."
The Governor says the new requirement also includes all indoor sports, while outdoor athletes and coaches will not be required to mask up. Governor Pritzker also says, beginning October 4 all state employees who work in group settings such as veterans homes, corrections facilities and psychiatric hospitals, will be required to be vaccinated against COVID 19. He adds while many of these residents are vaccinated, not all of the workers are.
"And yet, many of the long-term care facilities employees, have themselves, not been vaccinated. They run the risk of carrying the virus into work with them."
The Governor says while masking and social distancing prevents the spread of COVID-19, the most effective tool, he says, is to get vaccinated.
