GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SAYS THE STATE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT LAWSUITS OVER STATE COVID-19 MANDATES. 

A NUMBER OF SUITS HAVE BEEN FILED, TRYING TO LIFT THE MASK REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS AND STOP THE VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR TEACHERS. GOVERNOR PRITZKER DEFENDS THE MANDATES.

THE GOVERNOR SAYS THOSE PUSHING THESE LAWSUITS ARE EXTRAORDINARILY IRRESPONSIBLE AND PUTTING THE HEALTH OF STUDENTS, SCHOOL STAFF AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES AT RISK.

AS OF FRIDAY, THERE WERE 206 CLASSROOM OUTBREAKS IN ILLINOIS IN GRADES K-THROUGH-12 AND 28 TRACED BACK TO SCHOOL SPORTS. AN OUTBREAK IS DEFINED AS TWO OR MORE RELATED CASES.