Mask Mandates

“More than anything else, these lawsuits are major distractions for school districts that are working harder than ever to provide students an education in school in a safe manner,” said the district’s attorney.

“Guidance is guidance. Guidance is not a rule. A rule is enforceable. A statute is enforceable,” one Republican representative said.

The resolution allows the order from health director Frederick Echols to remain in place longer than 30 days.

Vaccines and testing are two key tools for districts that are adjusting to a school year that’s very different from last year and the years before.

It's unclear what Friday's action means, since the public health order for masking is currently frozen based off a court order.

Gov. JB Pritzker Thursday morning announced a reinstated mask mandate for all Illinoisans aged two and over in public indoor settings, in addition to making Illinois the seventh state in the nation to require teachers get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Eric Schmitt has filed a reverse class-action lawsuit in an attempt to stop schools from implementing mask mandates.

“My district did choose to follow the mandate, by a 4-3 vote. Quite honestly, this decision was one made out of fear of this organization ...” said one southern Illinois school official.

Two St. Louis County Council members want to use federal coronavirus relief funds to improve the health of north county residents.

St. Louis County Councilwoman Lisa Clancy discusses her failed attempt to reinstall a county-wide mask mandate and the criticism she's taken for caring for her 2-month-old baby during council meetings.