WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL) -- Residents had mixed reactions after Gov. JB Pritzker announced a for all pre-K-12th grade schools.
More than a dozen parents spoke to News 3 about their reliefs, concerns and confusion. Some say vaccinated students should have the option of wearing a mask. But people like Energy resident Carolyn Kouhout feel the mask mandate is the right move.
"I hear so many people say it's taking our freedom away," Kouhout said. "It's not taking our freedom away. I think it's common sense."
But other parents like Herrin resident Terry Maxwell say 'covering kids is not going to work'. Maxwell believes the state should provide clear information on the benefits of mask wearing and let kids be kids.
"[My daughter] likes to run and play and be able to talk and be vocal and use her expressions," Maxwell said. "Covering their faces is going to take that away."
Herrin resident Daniel Hall says most of his family has been vaccinated but also suggested seeing more proof about mask wearing benefits. However, Hall doesn't think masks will make a difference.
"I'm afraid [COVID] is going to spread to everybody again and we're going to go right back into the same situation we were in before," Hall said.
Hall added that the mixed messaging from health officials is leaving some residents confused, something Maxwell echoed.
"It's going to keep flip-flopping until they actually find a Variant cure," Maxwell said.
Incoming high school freshman Hannah Humphries of West Frankfort says the mask mandate could have an impact on how students socialize with each other. But the 14-year old fears if cases rise, it'll force schools to go back to remote learning, something she struggled with last year.
She adds that the constant change in guidance is leaving students like her frustrated.
"I think it should be your choice if you want to wear it," Humphries said. "And if you don't, at the same time, I feel we need to get to moving on."
But Kouhout says her grandchildren will continue following precautions.
"They've learned to wear them," Kouhout said. "They know it's for their best and if everyone is wearing a mask and social distancing I think that will help."
