McHenry County leaders embrace lifting of indoor mask mandate

McHenry County officials welcomed the announcement Wednesday from Gov. JB Pritzker that the indoor mask mandate will be lifted for most public places starting Feb. 28.

Pritzker announced the plan during a news conference Wednesday, but said masks would still required in health care settings, subways, airplanes, trains and buses, and inside federal buildings.

Pritzker said he would not be lifting the mandate for masking in schools, despite a recent court challenge.

Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Haleblian said wearing masks, getting vaccinated and social distancing contributed to this next step toward normalcy.

“My stance on it and the city’s stance on it are pretty much parallel that we’re going to comply with state and federal suggestions,” Haleblian said. “And whether you’re for it or not, it seems to have worked. … Some folks are out there who don’t believe so, but that’s OK. From my perspective, I like to follow the science. And it makes sense and we can get back to some kind of normal.”

County Board Chairman Mike Buehler welcomed at least some of the governor’s announcement.

“I’m disappointed not to allow a parent to choose what’s best for their child in the school system,” Buehler said.

“I’m pleased the governor has finally reached this point,” Buehler said. “I think everybody is ready to get back to life in a more normal fashion and move forward.”

Buehler praised county government and its residents “who have done their part of battling the [COVID-19] pandemic. I think this is a positive step of getting our lives and our economy back to normal.”

Woodstock Mayor Michael Turner echoed the sentiment.

“I’m very glad to see he’s removing the state-imposed mandate,” Woodstock Mayor Michael Turner said. “I support the removal of the state mandate. I look forward to moving beyond where we’ve been.”

Algonquin Village President Debby Sosine also said she was glad to see the indoor mask mandate lifted.

“Mostly, I’m tired of people complaining [if] you are or you are not wearing a mask,” Sosine said. “I’m glad it’s lifted simply because it makes it easier for everyone to be the same, walking around breathing fresh air. If this creates a situation where people are more at ease to eat, shop, live their lives without fear of catching [COVID-19], I think it’s a great avenue to drive down.”

Sosine said people can protect themselves by what they feel is necessary.

“And based on the November-to-March flu and cold season – as long as I’ve been alive, people are going to spread disease,” Sosine said. “Be it [COVID-19], the flu or a normal cold.”