March 1, 2022 – In accordance with Executive Order 2022-06 approved on February 28th and per CDC/IDPH/DCFS updated regulations specific to daycares settings; face masks on March 2nd will also become optional but strongly recommended for Totschool, First Steps and Lunch Buddies programs in conjunction with all other District facilities and programs already “mask-optional”. The following mitigation strategies are also strongly recommended: social distancing, hygiene and handwashing strategies and cleaning & disinfection procedures. The District truly appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation the past several months during the face mask mandate to ensure a safe environment for all participants, visitors and employees.
February 23, 2022 – The purpose of this message is to update you on where the Woodridge Park District (“District”) stands on future mitigation strategies as of this writing. Note, the Governor’s new Executive Order repealing the face mask mandate as announced on February 9th has not yet been released and therefore the District continues to seek clarification of details regarding specific indoor spaces and programs provided by the District.
In order to best prepare participants and visitors to District facilities and programs in advance of the release of the new Executive Order and based on the assumption that the COVID-19 metrics will continue to decline to a point that allows the lifting of the indoor face mask mandate by February 28th, the District will follow suit and permit the optional use of face masks in District programs and facilities and District programs scheduled at Woodridge School District 68 schools. However, based on information to date provided by the Governor in his announcement that face masks will still be required in daycare facilities in accordance with DCFS rules, the District will continue to require face masks for the District’s Totschool program, which is a DCFS licensed-exempt program, and Lunch Buddies and First Steps programs. All other District programs regardless of age will be mask-optional but strongly recommended.
The District recognizes this decision will be met with differing personal opinions and understands that some individuals may choose to wear a mask, which the District strongly recommends. We ask that everyone be respectful of one another’s decision and please be supportive and understanding for the overall safety of our community. Bullying or harassment regarding masking/non-masking will not be tolerated.
The District will continue to follow the Executive Orders and IDPH guidance as it has done throughout the pandemic and will continue to keep everyone updated on any information that may change from this current plan. Thank you for your continued cooperation and now more than ever remember to “Take Time for Fun!”
