Gov. Pritzker announces new mask mandates

Posted on August 4, 2021
Gov. JB Pritzker. (Facebook/Gov. JB Pritzker)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker is taking the guesswork and debate away from local school boards. He announced Wednesday afternoon public and private P-12 educational institutions will adhere to a mask mandate.

What’s more, he announced vaccination plans for some state employees: those who work in state congregate care settings as well as a mask requirement – and vaccine recommendation – for private long-term facilities.

Teachers’ unions issued statements thanking the governor.

Illinois Republicans said the governor should take down his campaign ads celebrating a “victory lap,” and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) said the announcement is a continuation of Pritzker’s “power trip” which, Durkin says, bypasses the legislature.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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