To:

Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI) Members

From:

Mark Biel, Chief Executive Officer
[email protected] or 217/522-5805 

Re:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – Governor Pritzker Issues New Vaccine (or Tests) & Mask Mandates

As mentioned in yesterday’s COVID-19 Update, Governor Pritzker today issued new vaccine and mask mandates effective this Monday, August 30th.  The governor and state’s public health officials cited the growing lack of ICU bed availability, which has seen a 7-fold increase over the summer.  Further, 96% of all the state’s hospitalizations are from unvaccinated individuals.   

Vaccine Mandate - The new vaccine mandates require all healthcare workers, including nursing home employees; all pre-K through 12-grade teachers & staff; and higher education personnel & higher education students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  Individuals covered under the new vaccine mandate who are unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine will be required to get tested for COVID-19 at least once per week.

First Vaccine Dose by September 5 - Workers and students in these applicable settings must receive the first dose of a two-dose vaccination series or a single-dose vaccination by September 5, 2021. Second doses of the vaccine must be received by 30 days after the first dose.

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 www.vaccines.gov

Statewide Mask Mandate for Indoor Settings - In addition, a statewide mask mandate is also required of all individuals over the age of 2 for indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.

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.

 

1400 E. Touhy Ave, Suite 110
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Tel: (847) 544-5995
Fax: (847) 544-5999