(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Illinois is falling in line with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about mask-wearing, though some expressed concern that the recommendations are confusing.
The CDC said fully vaccinated people can safely go without a mask in many settings, especially in circumstances where they are with other fully vaccinated individuals.
Critics wonder if the easing of the mask requirement comes too soon. Also, the federal guidance depends on everyone being honest about whether they’re vaccinated or not.
“Let me remind everyone that this guidance is only for those people who are fully vaccinated,” Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the Illinois state health director, said in a news release. “Individuals who do not have the protection afforded by one of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines should still wear a mask.”
Gov. JB Pritzker was in the process of issuing an updated executive order that corresponds with the latest CDC guidance.
Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks on public transportation, in congregate facilities, and in healthcare settings, the governor’s office said. Masks will be required in schools.
More than 4.6 million Illinoisans are fully vaccinated, the governor’s office said.
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