The state will soon be distributing air purifiers to schools in an effort to cut down on the transmission of respiratory viruses, including COVID 19. More than $29 million will be spent on 60,000 HEPA air purifiers.  The money is from CDC through the American Rescue Act of 2021.

Illinois Director of Public Health Dr. Sameer Vohra, who is a pediatrician, says, “I have devoted much of my career to protecting and promoting the health of children, and data over these last three years have shown us the critical importance of good ventilation to keep children and adults safe from respiratory illnesses.” Vohra adds that the purifiers will keep “kids healthy and in school, ensuring more opportunities for learning and success for years to come.” The air purifiers will be allocated to schools in lower income areas and counties with more pollution.