QPS Superintendent responds to mask mandate being lifted for fully vaccinated people

QUINCY, Ill. (KHQA) — Quincy Public Schools (QPS) Superintendent Roy Webb took to Facebook on Monday to discuss the Illinois mask mandate.

On Monday, Governor JB Pritzker announced fully vaccinated Illinoisans can unmask in most situations.

Sup. Webb said he has received several questions since the CDC published new mask guidelines.

"We will probably not adjust our mask requirements this school year. The CDC still states that schools should maintain masks. The state of Illinois and IDPH have not reduced the requirement for schools. Most of our students have not been vaccinated and most have not been eligible to be vaccinated. It would be tough for me to require masks of some and not for others," Webb said.

The Superintendent said he will continue to wear a mask in schools and so will QPS staff and students

"We will not become the vaccination scanners and validators. I will not ask my teachers and staff to ask confidential medical questions. We are a little tired of upholding medical standards in educational and public arenas anyways," he said.

Students have 12 days of school this year. Webb said he is hoping to finish this year.

"Our students have been amazing and possessed a great attitude all year. We can get through 12 more days," Webb said. "Prior to getting too upset or concerned about next year, and calling me a bunch of names (I keep a list), let’s give ourselves a little time. Much can change quickly over the summer. This summer we will carefully review and adjust for the next school year."

Along with his response, Webb also announced QPS had 10 new positive COVID cases on Monday. Currently, the district is tracking 28 active positive cases.

The new cases break down as follows:

• ECFC- 2
• Lincoln-Douglas- 3
• Rooney- 1
• QJHS- 3
• QHS- 1

The active cases are broken down by location:

• Denman- 1
• LDE- 4
• Rooney- 3
• Iles- 2
• QJHS- 7
• QHS- 7
• ECFC- 2
• Transportation- 1

Webb announced that QPS is working with the Adams County Health Department to host a Pfizer Vaccination Clinic at QSHS on 26 May from 3:30 to 5:30 for students ages 12 and up. The Clinic will be held in the Commons Area of QSHS. Parents or guardians should attend with their child under 18. The second dose will be given at the same location on June 16, 2021 (three weeks after the first dose).