The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced yesterday new guidance that will allow for vaccinated individuals to remove their masks in most indoor settings. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has indicated that it will be revising state guidance to align with these changes.
The most significant CDC update:
- Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance
In conjunction with CDC guidelines, and in anticipation of the state of Illinois adjusting its restrictions, Champaign County local units of government are adjusting their own restrictions.
Find those here:
While this is welcome and encouraging news for many, the COVID-19 pandemic has not ended, and we all need to continue to make decisions that maximize the safety of our entire community. As we await more robust guidance from Governor Pritzker and IDPH, we continue to work closely with Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) and will provide important updates as they are received. We are working quickly to update our existing resources with guidance and information.
An important reminder from CUPHD regarding best practices with current mask guidance:
- Only fully vaccinated individuals can stop wearing masks indoor and outdoors. There are certain exceptions such as healthcare, schools and congregate care facilities.
- Anyone 12 and under should continue wearing a mask in a public setting including when they are around people outside of their immediate cohort or family. The current rate of cases are disproportionately affecting the younger population.
- Businesses and Organizations should establish policies to ensure unvaccinated individuals (staff and clients) are still complying with masking.
- This guidance further strengthens the case for vaccinations and its effectiveness in preventing serious infections, hospitalization and death. Vaccines are readily available in Champaign County and no one should delay.
People not yet vaccinated, and children under 12 must still wear a mask in indoor settings and respect the requirements issued by local businesses to protect their staff. Individuals eligible for the vaccine are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated immediately.
For more information on CDC guidance for fully-vaccinated individuals, click here.
All of Illinois is in the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois plan.
Thank you for your patience & doing your part to keep Champaign County Safe.
*Masks are required in healthcare settings. You will still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
Quick Links:
- CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People
- Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois Plan
- Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
- Find a Vaccine
