Masks no longer required on public transportation in Illinois
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[April 20, 2022]
By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – With the federal mask
mandate on public transportation voided by a federal judge, Gov. J.B.
Pritzker is updating Illinois’ mandates.
A federal judge ruled Monday that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention exceeded its authority in continuing mask mandates since
February 2021. The mandate for airplanes, buses and other public
transportation was lifted.
In Springfield, the Sangamon Mass Transit District announced masks were
optional.
“Masks are no longer required to board an SMTD vehicle,” the
organization said on its website. “The Transportation Safety
Administration has withdrawn the mask mandate extension for public
transportation. Automated public service announcements played on buses
regarding masks can be ignored.”
In Chicago, The Hill reports O’Hare International Airport announced
masks would still be mandated inside the airport.
The Chicago Department of Aviation website says “By Illinois Executive
Order 2022-06, face coverings are required to be worn while on public
transportation and in transportation hubs. This directive includes
O'Hare and Midway International Airports.”
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Earlier in the day Tuesday at an unrelated event, Gov. J.B. Pritzker was
asked what the federal ruling means for Illinois. He said the CDC’s
extension of the mandate “was interfered with” by the judge’s ruling.
“Our plans and our mitigations are in place as they have been, we want
to encourage local governments and businesses to take actions that they
think will keep their patrons, their local residents safe,” Pritzker
said. “We’re going to continue to report on how we’re doing as a state
very importantly so that people can take the mitigation measures home
and decide for themselves how they want to operate.”
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Later in the day, his office announced a modification to one of his
executive orders.
“As a result, masks will no longer be required on public transit, in
public transit hubs, or in airports. Executive Order 2022-06 will be
amended to reflect these changes,” Pritzker's office said. “Local
municipalities retain the right to establish their own mitigations,
including masking requirements on public transportation.”
Greg Bishop reports on Illinois government and other
issues for The Center Square. Bishop has years of award-winning
broadcast experience and hosts the WMAY Morning Newsfeed out of
Springfield. |