Illinois announces vaccine mandate for education and healthcare staff

All K-12, higher education and healthcare employees in Illinois will have to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or face weekly testing under a new mandate announced by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. 

Employees will have until Sept. 5 to receive their first dose. Those who forgo the vaccine will be required to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.

The state joins the city of Denver in requiring COVID-19 vaccines for employees in healthcare, K-12 schools and higher ed.