Dear Colleagues,
We want to share information and guidance regarding masking requirements for State workplaces. As you may know, Governor Pritzker lifted the statewide mask mandate for many settings, effective today, February 28, 2022, based on rapidly declining COVID-19 hospitalizations.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) continues to recommend wearing masks, especially in crowded, indoor settings, for employees to protect themselves and those around them. Moving forward, in keeping with State of Illinois and CDC guidance, IDHS will continue to require masks only in:
- 24/7 State operated congregate care facilities (including visitors, contractors, and others entering the facilities)
- The Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) and Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) in Jacksonville; The Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education - Roosevelt (ICRE-R) and The Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education ICRE-Wood (including teachers, staff, students, and visitors)
- FCRCs and DRS local offices: only if meeting in-person with members of the public (for employees only; customers are encouraged, but not required, to wear masks when visiting IDHS offices)
While we continue to strongly encourage masking, employees outside of these settings, or those who are not performing public-facing duties, are no longer required to wear facial coverings. If an employee's work requires them to visit outside organizations, they should follow the posted masking requirements for that entity.
If other applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, or regulations require masks, employees must abide by those requirements. You can find more information about general masking requirements for the state of Illinois here.
We encourage all State employees to be respectful of the choices of their coworkers and those with whom they interact at work during this time of transition. Thank you for your continued help, kindness, and cooperation with one another.
Sincerely,
Grace
Grace B. Hou
Secretary, IDHS
