As of February 28, Governor Pritzker lifted the state’s face mask mandate based on the continued decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and the increase in available ICU beds across Illinois.

While the Park District of Highland Park strongly encourages everyone to make a conscious decision regarding their health and safety, we are following these new guidelines as we have done throughout the pandemic and have moved to a “mask optional” position in Park District facilities and programs for both participants and staff.  Additionally, the Park District is following the North Shore School District 112 mask-optional position for all our youth programming, including pre-school-aged programs.  

We understand that some individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask, and we ask that everyone be respectful of one another’s decisions.  Bullying or harassment regarding masking/non-masking will not be tolerated.  As a reminder, even though we are transitioning to a new mask optional position, the Park District will continue taking measures to keep our facilities, staff, and participants as safe as possible. 

Remember, to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, consistently follow the Lake County Health Department guidelines:

• Wherever you go, you should always follow public health guidelines, including the 3 Ws until you are fully vaccinated:
  • WEAR A MASK INDOORS 
  • WASH YOUR HANDS
  • WATCH YOUR DISTANCE 
• Get vaccinated! Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to COVID-19 or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system, so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Getting vaccinated and following the CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, stay home. Distance yourself from others in the household and, if possible, stay in your own bedroom and use your own bathroom. If your symptoms worsen, call your healthcare provider. Do not walk into a healthcare facility, urgent care clinic, or hospital before calling. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If your doctor believes that you need to be tested for COVID-19, your doctor can refer you to a testing site.  If you do not have a primary care provider, please contact the Lake County Health Department at (847) 377-8800. Testing can currently be done free of charge at 102 W. Water St. in Waukegan, IL, between 8 am – 4 pm. Testing is also available at other locations https://dph.illinois.gov/testing

If you have any COVID-19 questions, call the Illinois COVID-19 hotline at (800) 889-3931 or email [email protected]. You may also want to consider signing up for updates from the Lake County Health Department. 

As the local, state, and national landscapes continue to evolve, the Park District will remain vigilant and continue to keep you informed.