CHICAGO (WLS) – Residents of the Chicago area began their morning trip without a mask on Wednesday for the first time in a long time, and public transport drivers had mixed feelings.
Gov. JB Pritzker amended Illinois’ public transport mandate for a mask Tuesday to bring it into line with a decision by a Florida judge to lift a federal mask mandate on Monday.
In a statement, Pritzker’s office said the order had been revised “to bring it into line with the completion of the federal mandate for public transport masks.” As a result, the state will no longer require masks to be worn on public transport, public transport centers or airports.
The governor’s official reiterated that “local municipalities reserve the right to determine their own mitigation measures, including requirements for masking public transport.”
“We want to encourage local authorities and businesses to take action that they believe will keep their patrons, the locals, safe,” Pritzker said.
The Chicago Department of Aviation said it would follow the updated order and would no longer require masks at O’Hare and Midway Airports, adding: “Those who wish to continue to disguise themselves are encouraged to do so. Please be kind and courteous to your colleagues as we continue to welcome people back to Chicago airports. “
Although the TSA will no longer impose a recommendation to disguise the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Alison Arouadi advised passengers to continue wearing masks on planes, even if not required to.
“I feel much more comfortable when I hear someone cough, knowing that everyone is dressed and I intend to keep wearing it,” she said.
“And I can tell you that in the foreseeable future, I will not board a plane without a mask,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
While the number of COVID cases in Chicago is increasing again, hospitalizations remain low, so the city has no plans to restore the mandate for an indoor mask.
The CTA confirmed that it will no longer require camouflage under the amended governor’s order, saying in a statement: “As the city continues to see low levels of COVID-19 transmission, customers and employees who wish to continue wearing masks are encouraged to do it. We ask all customers to be polite and respectful to other competitors. “
On Wednesday morning it looked 50/50 with riders wearing masks against those who weren’t. “I’m still wearing it. You see, I have a mask. I don’t know and I have a baby too, so I have to do what is best. good, “said CTA athlete Tamia White.
Pace also made masks optional.
“I think it’s a little premature. I know a lot of people are ready for that, but that’s not the right choice, “said CTA athlete Bob Mason.
After the governor made his announcement, Metra issued a new statement, in part saying: “Starting immediately, masks will be welcome, but not required while traveling on Metra trains. They remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. “
Since masks are no longer mandatory for all public transportation in Illinois, Brian Maher of Orlando Park decided not to wear his.
“Where the hospitalization rates and the rate of infection are going, everything looks positive. I’m double vaccinated and reinforced, so I feel pretty safe,” said the Metra traveler.
Bartlett’s Fredolf Reyes chose to wear his mask on the train on Wednesday.
“I was just so used to it and I feel more confident that way. Yes, it’s more of a habit than anything, “Reyes said.
Uber and Lyft also withdrew their claims.
“I’m just not used to being out on a train and seeing people without masks, but since I saw them yesterday, I chose not to wear my mask today,” said Metra traveler Alice Edwards.
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Metra traveler Dylan Matox says he has noticed that many riders are taking off their face coatings this morning when the conductor announced they are optional, but he plans to keep it for now.
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“From now on, I will wear it because I have noticed in the last two years that I get sick much less often than usual,” he said.
And since Wednesday morning, the CPS and Elgin District U-46 have said masks are no longer required on school buses.
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