During Governor JB Pritzker’s Press Conference on Wednesday afternoon he advised of a mask requirement in all P-12 schools and day cares in the state of Illinois; as well as vaccine requirement for all state employees who work in congregate facilities and a universal mask mandate in all long=term care facilities across Illinois-including those that are privately owned and operated.
*Instituting a mask requirement in all P-12 schools and day cares. This will also apply to inside sports, but not outside where transmission is lower.
Governor Pritzker said, “We’re doing this for a few key reasons: lower rates of vaccination among teens aged 12 to 17, the vaccine has not yet been approved for children under 12, and because of the reluctance of some districts to adopt the CDC’s guidance. We’re ready to supply masks to any school districts that need them.”
*Requiring vaccinations for ALL state employees who work in congregate facilities, such as our veteran’s homes, corrections facilities, and Department of Human Services developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals.
Governor Pritzker stated, “Our most vulnerable residents have no choice but to live amongst these workers. While residents have been getting vaccinated, many long-term care facilities’ employees haven’t. They run the risk of carrying the virus into work with them – and then it’s the residents who are ending up seriously sick, hospitalized, or worse. It’s a breach of safety, it’s fundamentally wrong, and in Illinois, it’s going to stop.” He said, “We already require masks for everyone entering state facilities, but if we’re going to fully protect our vulnerable populations, the most effective infection control measure is vaccination. It’s our obligation to exercise due care in protecting of the health of the residents, so we will.”
*Announcing a universal mask mandate in all long-term care facilities across Illinois, including those that are privately owned and operated.
Governor Pritzker said, “This is already standard practice in much of the industry, but while the Delta variant rages on, I want to leave no doubt on the need for compliance.”
Governor Pritzker advised, “I’ll continue to listen to IDPH and other experts to evaluate any and all necessary action to protect our residents.”
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The Illinois Education Association has issued a statement advising that they are thankful that Gov. JB Pritzker put into effect a “mask required” order for schools starting this fall.
Kathi Griffin, President of the Illinois Education Association stated, “The pandemic is not over. The numbers in Illinois are going in the wrong direction. We need to keep our students in the classroom and keep them, and those who teach and work with them in schools, safe. Masks, along with other mitigation, such as ventilation, testing, appropriate cleaning and protective gear, are proven tactics.”
Griffin went on to say, “The number one key to controlling the spread of the virus is vaccination. We encourage all who are able to get the vaccine to do so. It is the clearest path back to “normal” that exists and only about half of those eligible to receive the vaccine in Illinois have done so.”
“We all want to get back to normal. Let’s pull together and take care of one another. Vax up and mask up. We owe it to our students and we owe it to each other,” said Kathi Griffin, president of the Illinois Education Association. “We’re so thankful to have leadership in this state that won’t let the virus fester and grow. But, it us up to all of us to bring COVID-19 to its knees.”
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WMOK remains in touch with
Massac Unit School District #1 Superintendent, Jason Hayes made the following statement, “Governor Pritzker announced a new mask mandate for all P-12 staff and students in Illinois today. We are currently making adjustments to our plan for in-person learning in order to comply with this new requirement. We do not believe this will be a long term requirement this school year. Please be patient as we work through these new changes.”
A special school board meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 10 to finalize the Return to School Plan which will include full days and Covid-19 mitigations.
Superintendent Hayes will join us on Wednesday, August 11th for his regularly scheduled Coffee Break
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