Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control states that fully-vaccinated people can stop wearing a mask and practicing social distancing in most indoor and outdoor settings. Governor J. B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health announced that Illinois will align State Executive Orders with the latest CDC guidance and rescind IDPH Emergency Rules enforcing masking and distance.
However, the CDC continues to require masks for everyone in healthcare settings, in congregate settings, and on transit. In addition, in line with CDC guidance, the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health require masks in schools. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services requires masks in daycare.
Individuals who are unvaccinated should continue wearing masks in most settings. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks on public transportation, in congregate facilities, and in healthcare settings.
“Getting vaccinated is the ultimate protection from COVID-19 and the quickest ticket back to normal life,” said Governor Pritzker. “With public health experts now saying fully-vaccinated people can safely remove their masks in most settings, I am pleased to follow the science and align Illinois’ policies with the CDC’s guidance. I also support the choice of individuals and businesses to continue to [wear or require a] mask out of an abundance of caution….This pandemic isn’t over yet.”
“…This guidance is only for those people who are fully-vaccinated,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “To slow down disease spread and the development of even more deadly variants, we need as many people as possible to be vaccinated.”
As of Monday, May 17, more than 4.6 million Illinoisans are fully vaccinated:
- 58% of residents ages16+
- 64% of residents 18+
- 86% of residents 65+.