Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate for Teachers

Amber McGhee, Reporter

On Thursday, August 26, Illinois Governor, J.B. Pritzker sent out a statement that the COVID- 19 numbers have skyrocketed and that action needed to be taken. Due to school being back in session and COVID-19 numbers rising, the governor enacted executive orders. During his press conference Prizker said, “We are running out of time as our hospitals run out of beds. Vaccination remains our strongest tool to protect ourselves and our loved ones, to restore post-pandemic life to our communities, and most crucially, to maintain our healthcare system’s ability to care for anyone who walks through their doors in need of help and Illinois is taking action to keep our communities safe.” Now all teachers are mandated to take the Covid-19 vaccine. If they can not take the vaccine due to health reasons or because of their religious beliefs, they will receive strict weekly COVID-29 testing.  By September 5, teachers need to at least have their first shot and have a plan to get the second dosage within 30 days of the first, if the vaccine they receive requires more than one round.