In a statement on its website and an email to parents, the Batavia School District has announced that it will no longer enforce the governor’s mask mandate.
“While we believe that we remain subject to the Governor’s executive orders, enforcement has become impossible and disruptive. We no longer have the ability to maintain universal masking in our schools. Coupled with the significant downward trend in new cases, we have decided to suspend enforcement of the indoor mask mandate.
“Masks remain recommended and everyone should wear them in our schools, especially when social distancing cannot be maintained.
“If conditions worsen or outbreaks occur, we may need to return to strict enforcement of masking. Meanwhile, all other mitigation strategies will remain in place.”
The action follows St. Charles and Geneva school districts acceding to a Sangamon county judge’s issuance of a temporary restraining order blocking Governor JB Pritzker’s executive order mandating masks in all schools.
The governor has asked for an “expedited appeal” to reverse the judge’s order. A ruling is expected February 17.
In the meantime, Pritzker has announced that his executive order mandating masks in all indoor facilities will be rescinded February 28 if certain undisclosed hospitalization metrics are met. His announcement explicitly stated that his executive order for schools was a separate issue.
