Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday, Sept. 15, rescinded requirements that unvaccinated school and childcare personnel get tested for COVID-19 twice weekly. The change goes into effect Friday, Sept. 16.
Pritzker said the decision was made on the advice of medical experts, based on the current conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and is in line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
The CDC no longer requires routine testing in schools or childcare settings regardless of the vaccination status of the staff member. However, CDC officials continue to recommend schools and other congregate educational settings consider instituting testing at times of high risk in the community, such as upon return from breaks or after large indoor events. Illinois schools and childcare centers are urged to consider these suggestions when planning testing and prevention strategies.
“Vaccination continues to be the most effective tool we have against COVID-19, and I’m proud that millions of Illinoisans have taken advantage of these life-saving vaccines – they have given us the ability to adjust these requirements,” Pritzker said.
“I continue to urge everyone in the state to stay up to date on vaccines and boosters, including getting the recently released bivalent booster shot. Although the current state of the pandemic is very different than it was two years ago, we still need to protect the most vulnerable members of our community as we continue to be responsive to the changing challenges and evolutions of this virus.”
Free and accessible testing options are widely available to school staff. Information on finding vaccines and booster shots can be found at www.vaccines. gov.