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Pritzker Imposes Statewide Mask Mandate, Vaccine Requirement for High-Risk Groups
With COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates continuing to increase, especially downstate, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday issued a vaccination requirement for high-risk groups including healthcare workers, school personnel and college students. Pritzker and Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike also announced a statewide indoor mask mandate for all Illinois residents, effective August 30.
The public health requirements come as regions with low vaccination rates continue to see a surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations. In Southern Illinois, which has the state’s lowest vaccination rate at 443%, only 3% of ICU beds are available. Since August 1, local health departments across the state have reported 27 COVID-19 outbreaks at schools.
“Vaccination remains our strongest tool to protect ourselves and our loved ones, to restore post-pandemic life to our communities, and most crucially, to maintain our healthcare system’s ability to care for anyone who walks through their doors in need of help,” said Pritzker
- ◦Policy/Gov't
