Gov. JB Pritzker announced Wednesday that the state of Illinois plans to lift the statewide indoor mask requirement on Monday, February 28, 2022, but still intends to continue masking requirements in P-12 schools subject to pending litigation which impacts a number of schools.
Mask requirements will continue where they are federally mandated, such as on public transit and in high-risk settings including healthcare facilities and congregate care. Masking requirements will also continue to apply in all daycare settings. Masks will also still be required in healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, and in congregate settings like prisons and shelters.
The projection comes as COVID-19 cases have plummeted after reaching all-time highs earlier this year.
“We are now seeing the fastest rate of decline in our COVID-19 hospitalization metrics since the pandemic began. If these trends continue — and we expect them to —then on Monday, February 28th, we will lift the indoor mask requirement for the State of Illinois,” Pritzker said. “I want to be clear: Many local jurisdictions, businesses and organizations have their own mask requirements and other mitigations that must be respected. Throughout this pandemic, we’ve deployed the tools available to us as needed. Our approach has saved lives and kept our economy open and growing.”
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said masks are still recommended, though. “Masks offer a layer of protection and for people who have an underlying health condition or who are around those who do, you may choose to continue wearing a mask. Similarly, if you find yourself in a crowded, indoor setting, a mask can still help protect you. We will continue to recommend masks.”
