ELK GROVE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Elk Grove Village decided last week to go “mask optional” in defiance of Governor Pritzker’s indoor mask mandate. On Monday, the Governor was asked about it.
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Governor JB Pritzker said he has not spoken to Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson about the village going “mask optional” indoors.
"I have not spoken with the Mayor of Elk Grove Village. I know that the Cook County Board President spoke out about it. Obviously, it’s important that people keep each other safe. That’s why we have a mask mandate," Pritzker said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Johnson said the science, when you factor in vaccinations, indicates going maskless is safe, even indoors.
"Back in the summer, the Governor lifted his mandate when we got below 5 percent. That was the magic number, if you remember. Today, we’re at 1.6 percent. Why hasn’t it been lifted again?" Johnson said.
"Well, we’re following the science...COVID is here for perpetuity. It’s not going to ever go away."
But, the Governor begs to differ.
"If you’re indoors, we ask you to wear a mask. If you’re outdoors, it is completely your decision. And, if you don’t feel safe, you should probably wear a mask. I sometimes do when I’m packed together with people outside," Pritzker said.
Pritzker said the mandate is a simple requirement. If you’re in a public space indoors, wear a mask, because otherwise the COVID viral load indoors can increase and get people sick.
He has not yet said when he might lift his indoor mask mandate, although he indicated recently that could happen closer to the holidays.
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