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August 26, 2021

Beginning Monday, August 30, individuals over the age of 2 will be required to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces, regardless of their vaccination status.

Masks are not required outdoors, but individuals attending large outdoor gatherings are urged to wear face masks, especially if engaged in activities that require close contact with individuals who are not vaccinated. Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the measure at a press conference on Thursday, August 26. The masking requirement was issued in response to increasing ICU admissions statewide and increasing hospitalizations among younger individuals and unvaccinated people.

Governor Pritzker and Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, emphasized that masking is an effective, low-cost way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the CDC. Masking is an easy mitigation strategy that can be immediately implemented without disruption to school or business operations. Consistent mask use will help prevent infections among the most vulnerable, including those who cannot get vaccinated.

Vaccinations remain the best tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19, protect vulnerable individuals from serious illness, and prevent strain on our healthcare system. Vaccinations dramatically reduce the risk of hospitalization and serious illness due to COVID-19.

Governor Pritzker also implemented the following vaccination requirements for those working in the following settings, effective Sept. 5:

• PreK - 12 teachers and staff
• Higher education personnel
• Higher education students
• Healthcare workers in a variety of settings (including those in congregate care settings, hospitals, nursing homes, urgent care, and doctors' offices)

Workers who are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated will be required to be tested at least once per week, or more frequently as indicated by their employer.

Statewide ICU usage has multiplied by a factor of seven this summer. Data from the Illinois Department of Public Health indicates that current vaccination rates aren't enough to slow a surge in hospitalizations and ICU admissions due to the highly transmissible Delta variant. The Delta variant spreads twice as quickly. Governor Pritzker reported that six of the State's 11 regions are currently below the 20% ICU bed availability threshold, an indicator of stress on the healthcare system. Region 9 (Lake and McHenry Counties) is one of the regions in this danger zone. The masking requirement, coupled with a vaccination push, will help relieve the stress on healthcare workers and ICU capacity.

Dr. Ezike emphasized that a shortage of ICU beds due to a surge in COVID-19 cases doesn't just have implications for the care of individuals with COVID-19, but for all those requiring intensive care treatment, such as those who are in car accidents. The rapid spread of COVID-19 among unvaccinated individuals has implications for those who are vaccinated.