* This is confirmed…

"Employees at Driver Services facilities will be wearing masks Monday," said an Illinois Secretary of State spokesman. "Our customers will not be required to do so, but it is suggested that they do."
As for the capitol complex?
"Have not made that decision yet."

— Bishop On Air (@BishopOnAir) February 23, 2022

Hospitalizations are down more than 83 percent from the peak six or so weeks ago.

* Chicago’s proof of vaccine requirement will also end…

Both the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois will end their indoor masking mandates on Feb. 28. The city of Chicago will also end its requirement for patrons to show proof-of-vaccination against COVID on that date, according to officials.

The city announced its plans on Tuesday, while the state of Illinois announced its decision to roll back mandates earlier this month.

I took a photo of my driver’s license next to my vax card, so that city mandate has been no big deal for me. The whiners made it a problem for staff, however.

* NBC 5…

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike reminded residents that masks remain necessary in certain places and situations, including for public transportation, inside federal buildings and in parts of long-term care facilities.
The full list of locations includes:

• Healthcare Settings: Continue mask requirement
• Long Term Care Facilities: Continue mask requirement
• Congregate Settings (prisons, shelters, etc.): Continue mask requirement
• Transportation: Follow federal guidelines
• Daycare: Follow Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) guidelines

[…] The one vaccine-related rule that will not be removed, at least according to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, is the mandate that city workers get vaccinated against COVID-19.

* Illinois Supreme Court has a new rule…

Each circuit court may adopt rules requiring the wearing of masks in courthouses pursuant to appropriate public health guidance. Absent such local rules, the wearing of masks within courthouses is permitted, but not required. Persons choosing to wear a mask may be directed by a judge to remove it if deemed necessary for court purposes, such as when addressing the court or testifying.

* The Senate won’t be in session next week, so they’re still “taking input” on a decision. And the House is still planning no changes for the rest of the session to its mask, etc. rules. By the way, there was some confusion in the House over the rules yesterday…

“If we are going to follow the rules we have to follow all the rules not just the ones you guys pick and choose to follow. So if we need to wear our masks when we debate, if we are going to look like idiots, we are going to debate like idiots with our masks on thank you Mr. Speaker,” said Rep. Andrew Chesney.

Nothing in the rules allows members to remove their masks to speak during debate. So, Rep. Chesney, was correct, if impolite.

* Also, this happened today…

GOP Reps. Miller (no relation) and Halbrook voted "No" remotely on a motion to grant fellow GOP Reps. Demmer and Bourne the right to vote remotely https://t.co/OTTSYbLnB7

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 23, 2022

Sheesh.

…Adding… Chicago Archdiocese…

Based on our extremely low infection rates and guidance from our medical advisors, we are making masks optional in our Catholic schools in Chicago, Evanston, and Oak Park, beginning Monday, February 28. With this decision, all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago will be mask optional, effective Monday.

*** UPDATE *** Expected…

.⁦@chicagosmayor⁩ announces that an arbitrator has ruled that the city’s vaccine mandate for CPD officers is valid. ⁦⁦@WGNNews⁩ pic.twitter.com/Ql6BOD9v71

— Mike Lowe (@MikeLoweReports) February 23, 2022