Governor JB Pritzker announced early Friday evening the state’s school mask mandate would end Monday.
The Governor says the change is the result of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuing new guidelines for the wearing of masks. But the announcement also coincides with the Illinois Supreme Court deciding against immediately hearing the Governor’s request to challenge a lower court ruling that said he had overstepped his authority in keeping the school mask mandate and related requirements in place.
The Illinois Supreme Court’s decision ended the temporary restraining order prohibiting the masking and other requirements issued in Sangamon County Circuit Court and sends the case back there.
Pritzker, in a Twitter statement, said he is gratified that the Supreme Court vacated the lower court’s restraining order, meaning that if a school mask mandate needs to go into effect in the future, they continue to have that authority. He says he is also extremely pleased to say that because the CDC has recommended that masks are needed only in areas of high transmission, the State of Illinois will move forward to remove the school mask mandate effective Monday. The Governor is recommending that all school districts follow CDC guidance and will update the existing guidance in the coming days.
The CDC is still advising people, including schoolchildren, to wear masks where the risk of COVID-19 is high which includes Marion, Clinton, Washington, Jefferson, Wayne, and Clay Counties. Fayette County has now fallen to the substantial category.
While the new CDC guidelines still require masks on public transportation as well as inside airports, train stations, and bus stations, the guidelines are not binding for other indoor spaces where cities and institutions can set their own regulations. Those with COVID-19 symptoms or who test positive are advised not to stop wearing masks.
