Illinois mask mandate: Governor JB Pritzker to announce new policy on Thursday, sources say

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) – Sources confirmed to ABC7 Eyewitness News that Governor JB Pritzker will announce a statewide indoor mask mandate on Thursday.

According to these sources, the mandate will apply to anyone 2 years of age or older, regardless of their vaccination status.

RELATED: Chicago’s Indoor Mask Mandate Comes into Force; Cook County is following suit

The mask’s mandate will apply to gyms, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, health clubs and other indoor locations. Details are expected to come out when the governor officially announces the policy.

Pritzker will also announce a mandate to vaccinate all education workers for Kindergarten to Grade 12 and higher education statewide, the sources said. Anyone who does not receive a COVID vaccine will need to undergo a weekly COVID test, according to the sources.

RELATED: Cook County’s Indoor Mask Mandate Back in Force, With Face Masks Required in Bars and Restaurants

The governor previously announced a mask mandate for all schools and daycares from kindergarten to grade 12 to combat the spread of COVID-19 among children, most of whom are not yet approved to receive a COVID vaccine.

RELATED: Illinois School Mask Mandate To Take Effect Immediately In K-12 Schools, Daycares, Says Pritzker

Recently, Chicago and Cook County both brought back their indoor mask mandates for the same age groups. There are small exceptions, such as removing a mask while eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, or other establishments.

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