SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — When it comes to mask requirements in the classroom this fall, Illinois Gov. J-B Pritzker has said it’s important for individual school districts to set their own policies.
The state is following C-D-C guidelines, recommending that students and staff who have not been vaccinated still wear a mask. But, Gov. Pritzker said there is no state mandate.
“Families should be involved in making decisions for their own families. And, school districts and school boards will make decisions for the schools within their districts,” Pritzker said.
The governor said districts have the ability to make their own decisions based on the COVID-19 risk in their area.
“Missouri is one of the most difficult states right now in terms of their challenges with COVID, and that bleeds over into the Illinois side of the river,” Pritzker said.
The Illinois Department of Public Health this week announced 4,449 new COVID-19 cases, including 62 deaths. That’s despite 73% of Illinois’ adults having received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, and more than 57% of adults being fully vaccinated.
Illinois’ current statewide test positivity is 2.3%.
Additional information and COVID-19 data can be found HERE.
