Governor JB Pritzker fired back on Monday at a decision made on Friday concerning mask wear in schools. The court order is a little muddy saying that only school districts that are named in the lawsuit can go maskless. However, the Sangamon Judge Raylene Grischow said in her ruling also that her Court “has declared IDPH and ISBE's Emergency Rules void. Thus, non-named Plaintiffs and School Districts throughout this state may govern themselves accordingly.”  The Governor has asked the Illinois Attorney General’s office for an immediate appeal of the Judge’s decision. Attorney General Kwame Raoul is seeking an expedited appeal. Governor Pritzker says that the decision doesn’t help schools stay safe.

Governor Pritzker says that wearing masks isn’t about what’s required of them, it’s about keeping people safe and doing what’s right. The Governor says that this decision can close schools and businesses as well. 

Governor Pritzker encouraged all schools not named in that lawsuit, to continue with their protocols set in place by the Emergency order put in place by the Governor.

The Governor says that COVID rates are moving in the right direction, and he hopes to lift mask mandates soon but can’t at this time.

The IHSA will also communicate how State Series events will be handled with the mask mandate over the next 24 to 48 hours. Regular-season contest rules for masks shall continue to be determined by the host school.