SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WREX) � The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) today announced mitigations to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant during the upcoming Illinois State Fair.
The Illinois State Fairgrounds are located in Sangamon County which is currently experiencing high transmission rates of the virus.
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Pursuant to CDC and IDPH guidance, all fair attendees, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks in public indoor settings.
Additionally, all Grandstand concert goers must wear masks to all performances. Ticketholders in the grandstand track area (also known as Standing Room Only) will be required to provide a print or digital copy of personal Vaccine Card, Vaccine Record, or Negative COVID-19 test within the 72 hours preceding the concert. Masks will be provided at the grandstand upon entrance as well as in other locations throughout the fairgrounds and must be worn over the nose and mouth indoors and for the duration of all grandstand performances.Ìý
Additional mitigations for the 2021 Illinois State Fair include:
•ÌýFairgoers who are unvaccinated are encouraged to wear masks at all times while attending the Fair. Anyone who is sick or exhibiting any of the following symptoms, including: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle painÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý or sore throat, should not attend the Illinois State Fair.
•ÌýMasks are required for all (including vaccinated individuals) in public indoor settings on the fairgrounds, including: Coliseum, Expo Building, Illinois Building, Dairy Building, Livestock Center, Artisans Building, EmmersonÌýBuilding, Orr Building, Hobbies, Arts & Crafts and the Floriculture/Emmerson Annex.
•ÌýMasks are required for Grandstand ticket holders. Track ticket holders must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
•ÌýMasks are encouraged for participants and attendees of the Twilight Parade.
•ÌýIllinois Department of Public Health will have six vaccinations sites located throughout the fairgrounds:
oÌýIllinois Building â€� Located just inside the Main Gate on Main Street
oÌýNorth Side of Happy Hollow Entrance â€� Located on Main Street directly north of the Illinois Building
oÌýBrian Raney Avenue â€� Located directly north of the Village of Cultures, across the street from the Illinois Treasurer and Secretary of State Tents
oÌýAvenue of Flags â€� Located just off of Grandstand Avenue, across the street from Gate 2 of the Grandstand behind the Comptroller’s TentÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
oÌý4H Lane â€� Located near the Orion Samuelson Building north of the Multi-Purpose Arena on the west side of the fairgrounds (August 12-17)
oÌýLivestock Center on 8th Street (August 18-22)
•ÌýCarnival workers, vendors and concessionaires are required to wear masks and are responsible for assisting in the cleaning of adjacent sitting and picnic table areas.
•ÌýCarnival will use fogger machines with a 72-hour disinfectant on all rides.
•ÌýFogger machines will be used to clean the Grandstand, Coliseum and Multi-Purpose Arena between each event.
•ÌýNo tram service will be offered.
•ÌýDedicated crews to clean high touch areas, including restrooms, barns and common eating areas.
•ÌýHand-washing stations and mounted and portable hand sanitizers throughout the grounds.
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“As the Delta variant circulates in Illinois and across the country, we want to remind people about what they can do to stay safe,â€�ÌýIDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. “Vaccination is your best protection against COVID-19 and its variants. Masking, distancing, testing, and washing your hands are also important tools to help slow the spread of these viruses.â€�
All fairgoers are encouraged to receive a vaccination in advance of the fair.
The Illinois State Fair is August 12 � August 22 in Springfield, Illinois.
