Keep Masks On Even If Vaccinated: Will County Health Department

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Will County Health Department is advising all residents to follow the status quo and keep wearing face masks while the agency waits to receive guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared new guidance on face masks. It said fully vaccinated people do not have to wear face masks outdoors and in most indoor settings, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws or rules, including regulations set by businesses or workplaces.

Sue Olenek, executive director of the Will County Health Department and Community Health Center, is asking that all fully vaccinated residents continue to follow the status quo on COVID-19 precautions.

“It is recommended by the WCHD that businesses and organizations continue to require masking and social distancing, and that residents continue to follow these requirements," she said in a release. "While removing our masks when we’re outdoors in non-crowded situations or indoors with immediate family is OK, continuing to wear our masks properly and observe proper social distancing in all other situations is our best strategy at this time."

Olenek said the health department is expecting guidance from the IDPH this week and will have a follow-up statement about recommendations then.

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