School Mask Mandate Coming From Pritzker: Reports

ILLINOIS — Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to issue a mask mandate for schools on Wednesday, multiple news outlets are reporting, citing sources close to the governor's office. The decision reportedly comes as some Chicago-area businesses are requiring masks for customers and, in some cases, vaccines for staff.

The school mask mandate will apply to both public and private K-12 schools, ABC Chicago reported.

Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike will give a COVID-19 update from Chicago's Thompson Center at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Related: No To Mask Mandate, Yes To Masks In Schools: IL Patch Survey

Earlier this week, Pritzker spoke as he signed a comprehensive Firearm Owners Identification reform law, urging all Illinoisans — vaccinated or not — to wear masks.

Meanwhile, businesses including McDonald's, Home Depot, Target and others are once again requiring patrons and staff to wear masks.

Coronavirus restrictions are even tougher in other parts of the country. Starting Aug. 16, patrons will have to prove they've vaccinated for indoor dining, gyms and concerts in New York City. In California, residents are urged to mask up — and some cities are requiring it — while state employees and health care workers will be required to get vaccinated or be tested for coronavirus at least once a week.

Last week, Pritzker said he is "looking strongly" at mandatory vaccinations or COVID-19 tests for state workers in Illinois. Politico Illinois reported Wednesday morning that governor is expected to announce some form of vaccine mandate for state workers at his afternoon news conference.