By Mark Santos
@msant9uic
It has been two years since the World Health Organization had declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. With the U.S. having access to multiple versions of the COVID-19 vaccine and its subsequent boosters, the country seems fully prepared to move forward regarding the ultimate decision to completely phase out mask-wearing in favor of transitioning back to normal.
On Feb. 9, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that indoor mask mandates, along with proof of vaccination requirements, were to be lifted starting Feb. 28. Although some businesses continue to recommend people to adhere to universal health and safety practices regarding the use of face coverings, many have moved on from masks and confirming vaccination for customers.
On Monday, Chicago Public Schools moved to masks optional, following the governor’s statewide decision to end indoor mask mandates. However, the Chicago Teachers Union and several parents are fighting to keep the mask mandates in effect in an attempt to support and protect other teachers from contracting the deadly virus and spreading it to the students.
As of Sunday, about 64% of Illinois’ population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the state having administered 21,2 million vaccines within the state.
Despite recent reports of surging Deltacron cases and former President Barack Obama testing positive for COVID-19, it seems as if the world has become too preoccupied with other major concerns that may potentially pose an even greater threat to their very ways of life, such as rising inflation or Russia’s war on Ukraine.