(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Federal health authorities say indoor masking is no longer necessary for many areas, including the Chicago region — advice that is contrary to some school mandates here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday updated its framework for recommendations on slowing down the spread of COVID-19.
The update represents a shift in the guidance it gives about preventing potential transmission of the virus. Under the new guidance, the entire Chicago area and northwest Indiana are classified as being at a "low" COVID-19 community level.
That means the agency no longer recommends universal masking -- including at schools.
The agency says the new framework focuses more on hospitalizations and hospital capacity, rather than raw case counts.
The CDC says about 70% of people in the U.S. are in "low" or "medium" community areas, and no longer need to wear masks. For those counties with a “high” rating (including some in Southern Illinois), masks are recommended indoors in public settings.
The CDC acknowledges that people with compromised immunity may need to continue wearing masks, regardless of where they are.
The city of Chicago, Cook County and the state of Illinois have already planned to lift mask mandates on Monday, though businesses can impose their own requirements. Officials also note that some regulated settings, such as public transportation, will still require face coverings.
But the Chicago Public Schools continue to require all students and staff to wear masks, under an agreement negotiated with the Chicago Teachers Union.
Other districts, including schools of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, are adopting mask-optional guidelines.
WBBM Newsradio has asked for comment from the Lightfoot Administration. A spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health said: "We are currently reviewing the CDC’s update framework for COVID-19 Community Levels."
A CTU spokesperson had no comment on the new guidance from the CDC.
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