Six more months of masking is the prediction of a DeWitt County healthcare professional.

CEO of Warner Hospital Paul Skowron on the WHOW Morning Show Monday predicted March 1 would be the end of mandatory masking. He believes trends are positive for the coronavirus with multiple vaccines being developed at warp speed.

In the meantime, schools will remain in session and students are monitored daily by teachers and staff. Those that are showing COVID symptoms, and the list is long, are asked to either consult with a doctor or isolate. Skowron says that mandate has left the City-owned facility seeing an uptick in youth coming in. He adds their staff have been ready for this and are prepared to see anyone that is asked to seek medical attention. 

As the cold and flu season approaches, Skowron hopes the COVID awareness will lead to more people getting the flu vaccine this year, although he anticipates another high volume flu season with the predicted cold winter.