The Diocese of Joliet announced today that fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear masks at all church services, effective Fri., June 11, when the state is expected to enter Phase 5. Capacity limits and registration for all church services will also be lifted on that date.

Phase 5 is the final step in the state’s reopening plan amid the easing coronavirus pandemic, allowing all sectors of society to fully reopen. If the state does not enter Phase 5 on June 11, the diocese will continue with previously issued “Bridge Phase” protocols.

The elimination of the mask requirement follows current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals, who can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing. The diocese, however, is adhering to those same guidelines in requiring unvaccinated people to continue wearing masks. Capacity limits for office and social gatherings can also return to pre-pandemic, full-capacity levels.

Click Here for the new diocesan guidlines for attending mass