Updated Village Face Mask Guidelines Reflect New State, CDC Requirements

On Monday, May 17, Governor Pritzker issued a new Bridge Phase executive order, bringing the State of Illinois' masking requirements in line with CDC guidance. Today, May 19, Mayor Shapiro updated the Village’s Emergency Declaration to match the masking requirements of both the CDC and the  State of Illinois. The amended order is effective immediately and removes the mask requirement for fully vaccinated people in most settings. In line with CDC guidance, individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated should continue wearing masks in most settings.
 
Masks are still required for everyone in healthcare settings, in congregate settings, and on transit. In addition, in line with CDC guidance, the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health require masks in schools. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services requires masks in daycare.
 
Business owners may choose to require masks in their stores or offices for the health and safety of their employees and clients. Customers are encouraged to be respectful of these requirements and of fellow patrons who continue to wear masks.
 
When does the CDC require fully vaccinated people to be masked?
According to the CDC and the State of Illinois, fully vaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering:

• On planes, buses, trains, or other forms of public transportation;
• When in transportation hubs (airports, train stations, bus depots, etc.);
• In congregate facilities (correctional facilities, homeless shelters, etc.);
• In healthcare settings; and
• When required by local businesses or workplaces.

When are people considered fully vaccinated?
People are fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after they receive the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.
 
Are customers required to respect masking regulations in businesses, even if they've been fully vaccinated?
Yes. Both the Governor's executive order and CDC guidance allow business owners to implement more restrictive guidelines if they would like. Businesses may require all customers and employees to wear masks, including those who are fully vaccinated. Customers are encouraged to be respectful of these requirements and of fellow patrons who continue to wear masks.
 
What should unvaccinated people do?
According to the Governor's executive order, unvaccinated people over the age of two are required to:

• Maintain social distancing from others in public settings
• Wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public settings when a six-foot distance from others cannot be maintained

Learn more about the science behind this new guidance for vaccinated individuals in the CDC's updated science brief.