Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued an Order mandating that certain professionals in healthcare and education, many state employees, and students get the Covid 19 vaccination, subject to certain exemptions which will require regular testing. The Order went into effect August 26, 2021 with the deadline of September 5, 2021 for a single dose of Covid vaccine with a requirement for full vaccination within 30 days of the administration of the first dose.
Who is Impacted by the Order?
Health Care Worker is defined as any individual who is (1) employed, contracted or volunteering at a healthcare facility; and (2) in close contact (fewer than six feet) with other persons for 15 or more minutes at least once per week on a regular basis as determined by the healthcare facility. A “Health Care Facility” is broadly defined to include any institution used to provide health services, medical treatment/nursing and rehab or preventative care.
School Personnel includes any person (1) employed, contracted or volunteering at a public, private, or residential school or school district with students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and (2) in close contact (fewer than six feet) with other persons in the school for 15 or more minutes at least once per week on a regular basis as determined by the school.
Higher Education Personnel means any person (1) employed, contracted or volunteering to provide services for an institution of higher education – public and private universities or colleges, technical and vocational schools – or employed by an entity contracted to provide services for an institution of higher education, and (2) in close contact (fewer than six feet) with other persons in the school for 15 or more minutes at least once per week on a regular basis.
Higher Education Students are defined as individuals enrolled in higher education learning with the exception of those completing all coursework remotely.
Also included are state employees, and contractors or vendors to state owned or operated congregate facilities.
Possible Employee Exclusions to the Order
Healthcare workers employed, contracted or volunteering for any state-owned or operated facility;
Students completing their coursework exclusively remotely; and
Individuals who are present for only a short periods of time with minimal contact to others at covered health care facilities, schools or institutions of higher education or affiliated off-campus locations
Exemptions from the Orders Requirement to be Fully Vaccinated
Exemptions from the orders requirement to be fully vaccinated may include individuals entitled to an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other disability related reasonable accommodation law. Also exempt are individuals who can demonstrate that a vaccine would violate sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances, although the procedures for proving this is silent in the Order.
Quad Cities Employment Law Attorneys
Do you have an employment law question? Contact the Quad Cities employment law attorneys of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC for answers at 563-355-6478.