COVID-19 Update:
Mask Mandate Takes Effect Monday in IL
Starting Monday (Aug. 30), all Illinois residents, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks indoors.
The Governor recently announced the statewide indoor mask mandate as COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates continue to increase.
Under the newest State Executive Order, face coverings may be removed temporarily while actively eating or drinking (including in bars or restaurants), and may be removed by workers at workplaces when they can consistently maintain six feet of distance (such as when workers are in their office or cubicle space).
While face coverings are not required outdoors, masks are strongly encouraged in crowded outdoor settings like festivals and concerts, as well as for activities that require close contact with people who are not vaccinated.
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Mitigations Specific to Cook County
On Aug. 23, the Cook County Department of Public Health issued an order that requires:
- All businesses open to the public must post signage, in a form and size approved by CCDPH, advising patrons and staff that masks are required to be worn on the premises. Such signage must be posted at all entrances to the premises, as well as prominently posted in an area visible to patrons and staff within the establishment.
- Masks may be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating/drinking while stationary. Masks can also be removed for certain activities that require their removal, such as beard shaves or facials.
- The Cook County Order does not limit the free exercise of religion. To protect the health and safety of faith leaders, staff, congregants and visitors, religious organizations and houses of worship are strongly encouraged to consult and follow CDC recommendations for Communities of Faith. Religious organizations are strongly encouraged to take steps to ensure social distancing, and implementation of other public health measures.
Why Are We Having to Wear Masks Again?
The CDC recently recommended that fully vaccinated people start wearing masks after an increasing number of breakthrough cases (due to the Delta variant) in people who were vaccinated. The CDC found that community masking leads to fewer diagnosed cases and reduces the likelihood of contracting the virus. In other words, wearing a mask protects yourself and others.
In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has determined that the Delta variant is the most dominant strain of COVID-19 in Illinois and has spread quickly among unvaccinated people of all ages across our state. The Delta variant is more aggressive and more transmissible than previously circulating strains, and poses significant new risks in the ongoing effort to stop and slow spread of the virus. The Delta variant also may cause more severe disease than prior strains of the virus. Therefore, the State has issued the new indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccination status to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
Vaccine Update
FDA granted full approval to Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID19 vaccine for people 16 and older. The FDA press release highlighted:
“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product.”
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They met the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization (EUA). Some people are vaccine reluctant because it has not received “FDA approval.” But, EUA and FDA approval can be thought of interchangeably in that FDA considers the COVID-19 vaccines “safe and effective.”
More info: CDC’s Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
Get your Shot, Des Plaines!
All Illinois residents over the age of 12 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost and proof of immigration status is not required to receive the vaccine. To find a vaccination center near you, go to vaccine.cookcountyil.gov/.
Stay Informed and Get the Facts from these Trusted Sources
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