Governor Pritzker expected to announce mask mandate Thursday

Posted By: Nora Inman
August 26, 2021 @ 7:55 am
Feature, Local News

Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks about new mask mandates for schools, state employees and long term care facilities during a press conference at the Thompson Center, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021 in Chicago. Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday ordered face coverings for all school children from preschool through 12th grade to thwart the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus and the Democrat will require all state employees who work in highly populated facilities such as prisons to be vaccinated. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WJPF) — Governor JB Pritzker is expected to announce Thursday a statewide mask mandate.

Multiple media outlets are reporting the mandate will apply to anyone two or older, regardless of vaccination status. Masks would be required in places like restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and gyms. It’s not clear how long the mandate will be in effect.

Governor Pritzker is also expected to announce Thursday a vaccine mandate for education employees in K – 12 schools and in higher education. Those who choose not to get the vaccine would have to test weekly for COVID-19.