Masks on, or masks off? What to know about mask rules as Illinois reopens

Chicago and state mask mandates have been dropped for fully vaccinated Illinoisans in most circumstances. Here is where masks will continue to be required, or not.

Illinois fully reopened June 11, and mask requirements for fully vaccinated Illinoisans were reduced – but not eliminated.

Here are the new rules for Illinois and the city of Chicago, based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. They are different based on whether you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Masks off: at businesses and venues where everyone present is fully vaccinated. You are not required to have face coverings or social distance, either indoors or outdoors.

Masks on: at indoor businesses where everyone present is not fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated people are required to wear face coverings and social distance six feet apart.

Masks off, maybe: at outdoor businesses and venues. Unvaccinated people may choose not to wear a face covering when able to maintain six feet of distance. They should wear a face covering in closer quarters. 

Masks on: at all businesses, indoor and outdoor, if they require all persons, vaccinated or not, to wear face coverings.

Masks on: for all unvaccinated people in crowded settings, indoors and outdoors.

Masks on: on public transportation, including in terminals.

Masks on: in congregate facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living, veterans homes, homless shelters, jails and group homes.

Masks on: in health care settings, such as hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices. 

Masks on: in schools, day cares, and other educational settings, such as colleges.

Masks on: where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local businesses and workplaces.

Illinois entered the fifth and final phase of the Restore Illinois plan June 11 after 15 months of pandemic mitigation mandates issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Pritzker declared Illinois a disaster area 18 times.

The loosened rules mean concerts and festivals are back. Businesses, restaurants, bars, gyms theaters and hotels can operate again without capacity limits.