Evanston Face Mask Mandate Updated As CDC Guidance Shifts

Press release from the City of Evanston:

Following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the City of Evanston’s Health & Human Services Department will no longer require fully vaccinated people to wear face coverings or practice social distancing in most indoor and outdoor settings in Evanston.

Individuals are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after their single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Community members who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face covering in public settings when maintaining a six-foot distance from others is not practical. View the CDC’s guidance for vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

"Vaccines have been proven to be safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness and complications from COVID-19," said Health & Human Services Director Ike Ogbo. "Relaxing face covering requirements for fully vaccinated individuals brings us one step closer to normal, but it's important to remember that we are still in a pandemic. All community members should continue to follow public health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and those who are not yet fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face covering to protect themselves and others."

Where are face coverings still required?

In alignment with federal and state guidance, face coverings continue to be required for all individuals regardless of vaccination status in health care settings, schools and daycare centers, congregate settings, and on public transportation.

Face coverings will also continue to be required for all patrons at City facilities, community centers and Evanston Public Library locations until further notice, as well as at City of Evanston events and festivals, including the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market. The City will continue to evaluate face covering requirements as the state approaches Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois recovery plan, anticipated to occur in June.

Evanston businesses may continue to require face coverings regardless of vaccination status. The City’s Health & Human Services Department encourages businesses to require face coverings unless they can verify that patrons have been fully vaccinated. Businesses should also follow current capacity limits and distancing guidelines provided in the state’s Bridge to Phase 5 plan.

Vaccination progress and availability

Evanston continues to outpace county, state and national vaccination rates. As of Monday, May 17, 63 percent of residents 12 years or older are now fully vaccinated, and 79 percent have received at least their first dose of the vaccine. Approximately 96 percent of residents 65 years or older are fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free and widely available through a variety of trusted providers, including the City of Evanston, Cook County, local pharmacies, and healthcare providers. All individuals 12 years and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Visit cityofevanston.org/vaccine or call/text 847-448-4311 for more information.

This press release was produced by the City of Evanston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.