Gov. Pritzker Lifts Illinois Mask Mandate For Public Transit, Airports

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A day after a Florida judge overturned a federal mask mandate that freed air travelers to shed their face coverings, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has lifted the statewide mask mandate on public transportation and airports across the state.

In a statement, Pritzker said his decision aligns with the ending of the enforcement of the federal mask mandate. The governor issued a revised executive order that no longer requires residents to wear masks on public transportation, in public transit hubs or in airports.

The governor left local municipalities to make their own decision about enforcing mask mandates for their own public transportation.

“I’m proud of the work our state has done to fight COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable,” Pritzker said.

“I continue to urge Illinoisans to follow CDC guidelines and, most importantly, get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.”

Pritzker’s announcement comes on the heels of the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and the Department of Aviation announcing that they will still require passengers to wear masks while using city trains and buses along with the Metra train lines. The Department of Aviation announced that despite passengers not being forced to wear masks on airplanes, they would still need to wear them inside O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport.

However, on Tuesday afternoon, Metra issued a statement saying that masks would be "welcome but not required" effective immediately following the governor's announcement.

"(Masks) remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. We are asking everyone to please be courteous and kind toward your fellow riders and understanding of their needs and choices," the Metra statement reads. "This has been a difficult period for everyone — let’s all do what we can to help each other on the way back."

Early Tuesday evening, CTA issued a statement saying that it too was no longer requiring masks following Pritzker's announcement.

"Those who wish to continue masking are encouraged to do so," CTA officials said. "Please be kind and courteous to fellow riders as we continue to welcome folks back to the CTA."

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said earlier Tuesday that mask mandates for Chicago’s public transportation agencies would remain in place but could be lifted soon. The mayor’s statement came before Pritzker announced the change in the state mask mandate for public transportation.

“At least in the short term here, we are legally covered and masks do remain required on the CTA,” Chicago Chief Health Officer Dr. Allison Arwady said during a Tuesday livestream.

Arwardy said the current mask mandate was in place through at least the end of April.

Ride-sharing companies Lyft and Uber have also ended their mask requirements for customers.

This article originally appeared on the Across Illinois Patch