Illinois Mask Mandate: Gov. JB Pritzker to Announce New Policy Thursday, Sources Say

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) – Sources have confirmed to ABC7 Eyewitness News that Gov. JB Pritzker will announce a state mandate for covered masks on Thursday.

According to these sources, the warrant will apply to anyone 2 years of age or older, regardless of vaccination status.

RELATED: The Chicago inner mask mandate takes effect; Cook County to follow the same

The mask mandate will apply to gyms, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, health clubs and other covered venues. Details are expected to arrive when the governor officially announces the policy.

Pritzker will also announce a vaccination warrant for all employees of K-12 education and higher education statewide, sources said. Anyone who does not get a vaccine against COVID will have to take weekly COVID tests, according to sources.

RELATED: Cook County Inner Mask Warrant Resumes, with Necessary Facial Masks in Bars and Restaurants

The governor had previously announced a mask warrant for all K-12 schools and daycares to combat the spread of COVID-19 among children, most of whom are not yet approved to receive a vaccine against COVID.

RELATED: Illinois school mask mandate will take effect immediately in K-12 nursery schools, Pritzker says

Recently, Chicago and Cook County regained their inner mask mandates for the same age groups. There are narrow exceptions, such as taking off a mask while eating or drinking in bars, restaurants or other establishments.

WATCH: So what is the safest mask to wear? The doctor weighs

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