Print
Share page with AddThis

2022/02/28 - Mayor's Column: Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted

­“AN OPEN DOOR TO O’FALLON”
A WEEKLY NOTE FROM MAYOR HERB ROACH
­­­                                                    

Effective February 28, 2022, the indoor mask mandate in Illinois is lifted by the Governor due to the reduction of COVID cases. This mask mandate was put in place by the Governor in order to help limit the spread of COVID-19.  

Here in O’Fallon, our zip code (62269) is among the top six zip codes (out of 100 zip codes) in our region for the highest percentage of the population being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The few zip codes with a higher vaccination rate are five much smaller communities. The total population of those five zip codes is less than 10% of our population. 

It is more good news that St. Clair County reports that the number of COVID cases are the lowest that they have seen since November. This means that the most recent surge, and COVID-19, is weakening.

The Governor did not eliminate mask usage in schools, but numerous court cases have ruled against the Governor’s decision.  Each of our local school districts have communicated their plans on mask usage.

At O’Fallon City Hall, it will be optional for both our employees and for those visiting City Hall on whether they want to wear face coverings. We continue to encourage caution and implement steps to help reduce or eliminate the exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

We will continue to provide extra distancing for our City Council, staff and visitors during public meetings. We also will continue to allow public attendance through Zoom.

On another note, the City Council has passed the New Master Plan 2040 and the New Ward Boundaries.  We will cover both at my next Town Hall meeting on March 16, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. at O’Fallon City Hall.

As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open.