Last Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relaxed their mask recommendations for several counties across the US, labelling close to 70% of the population as “low” to “medium risk.”

Per the agency’s new recommendations, people living in low to medium risk counties in the US no longer need to wear a mask in public. However, the agency recommends that “if you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness,” you should “talk to your healthcare provider about additional precautions, such as wearing masks or respirators indoors in public.”

Currently, Will County and Cook County in Illinois are both classified as “low risk.” The Indian Prairie School District, located in DuPage County and Will County, has moved forward with plans to transition from “mask required” to “mask recommended,” meaning that staff and students are no longer required to wear a mask, however, it is still highly encouraged.

The CDC still recommends that everyone get vaccinated and boosted if they have not done so already, as well as get tested if they feel sick. If you have been exposed to anyone who has contracted COVID-19, or if you have the virus or have any symptoms, the agency recommends that you continue to wear a mask for the safety of those around you.