(WSIL) -- Governor Pritzker updated testing requirements for school and childcare personnel Thursday.
The governor is rescinding the requirement that unvaccinated employees in these sectors test twice a week. The change goes into effect Friday.Ìý
The CDC no longer requires routine testing in schools or childcare settings regardless of the vaccination status of the staff member. However, they continue to recommend schools and other congregate educational settings consider instituting testing at times of high risk in the community, such as upon return from breaks or after large indoor events.
“As our approach to the pandemic continues to evolve, we are easing some COVID-19 restrictions in our schools and daycare centers,â€Â�said Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It remains our continued goal to address the health risks of COVID-19, but current conditions of the pandemic are different from those of the last two years.Ìý There are now many tools available for protecting our students, teachers and the general public, including the latest updated bivalent vaccines and effective treatment options for children and adults. It continues to be important to remain home if you have COVID-19 symptoms, per CDC recommendations. Broad access to COVID-19 testing will remain a critical part of our strategy.Ìý To ensure ready access to testing, IDPH has offered one million rapid COVID-19 tests to schools for use by students and staff at home.â€�
Information on finding vaccines and booster shots can be found at .Ìý
