In Illinois, we continue to see a persistent decrease in our COVID-19 positivity rate and a steady rise in our vaccination rate. The state has moved into the less restrictive phase four, and allowed for many businesses and recreational activities to reopen.

We applaud Illinoisans for mitigating their risks and getting this virus under control. However, as health care professionals and community members, we are extremely concerned with how universal mask requirements are being interpreted in phase four by establishments. The more contagious variants found in Illinois, coupled with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for tighter fitting masks or double-masking, underscore the need to not give any ground on this progress.