Why Illinois Might Be Headed For A Mask Mandate Soon

Hope you didn't throw your mask away.

If there's one thing we don't need, it's the 'vid round 2. All of us remember how uncomfortable, annoying, and cumbersome it was to wear a mask everywhere we went in 2020 and half of 2021.

Illinois has become a hotspot for a different illness that could bring the masks back in fashion.

The Problem

It doesn't take long for certain sicknesses to spread and in the last few months, there's been a national outbreak of respiratory illnesses.

It's definitely not a new problem this time of the year but the latest numbers are highly concerning to the CDC, especially the stats out of Illinois.

Read More: Very Contagious Disease At Highest Levels In Illinois Since 2012

What They're Doing About It

This week, the Illinois Department of Public Health to "consider targeted steps to mitigate the circulation of seasonal illnesses", including measures like requiring masks. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement:

The New Year has arrived, and Illinois is experiencing the expected winter surge in seasonal respiratory illnesses. It is now more important than ever to use the many tools at our disposal to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

In December, multiple cases of whooping cough were reported from one Chicago-area high school in just one week. It's very contagious and health officials are on alert.

Starting last month, multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities in Illinois implemented either partial or full mask mandates. Rush University Medical Center, Endeavor Health, and OSF St. Francis Medical Center all put out statements regarding masks for visitors.

Doctors are saying that, especially right now, if you have a cough, sneezing, fever, or any other respiratory symptoms, wear a mask if you have to be around other people.

And of course, get the vaccine if you haven't yet.