Masks officially become optional on Feb. 28 in most settings in Illinois. Gov. JB Pritzker announced the policy change recently following similar moves from governors in other states.
Last week Chicago’s Mayor announced the city would be following suit, dropping both its mask mandate on Monday, as well as its more-strict proof-of-vaccination mandates.
Gov. Pritzker said he is not willing, however, to lift the mask mandate for K-12 schools yet, though his mask rules for schools are currently not in force due to a temporary restraining order issued by a Sangamon County judge. Last week, a bipartisan majority of lawmakers of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) struck down an attempt by the Pritzker Administration to reinstate his previous mask rule for schools. Attorney General Kwame Raoul has filed an appeal with the Illinois Supreme Court to get the Governor’s school mask mandate back into effect.
In the meantime, mask requirements will remain in place after Feb. 28 for healthcare facilities, public transit, and congregate facilities such as prisons.