Masks are the mandate

The use of a face covering is the rule in Illinois and businesses that fail to enforce the mandate could face a fine.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced the emergency rule to enforce mask-wearing as the number of COVID-19 cases were on the rise, the measure seeks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

On Aug. 11, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules [JCAR] upheld Pritzker’s rule mandating the use of face coverings across the state.

The order requires businesses, service facility or organization open to the public to require employees, customers and other individuals on the premises who are over the agree o two and able to medically tolerate a face covering to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when unable to maintain a distance of at least six feet. Coverings may be removed while eating or drinking, but are required at all other times.

The guidelines further emphasis the rules that require public and non-public schools—preschools to post-secondary institutions— and day care centers and homes to require students, employees and other individuals on the premises to wear a face covering.

Additionally, it reiterates that gatherings of more than 50 people or 50% of a building’s maximum occupancy is prohibited unless exepmt by law or executive order.
The Grundy County Health Department announced late last week that in cooperation with law enforcement, elected officials and other community leaders it is tasked with education and enforcement related to the new rule.

Grundy County Public Health Administrator Michelle Pruim said community members and local business owners shall note that health department staff will be contacting businesses upon complaints, and moving forward through a series of steps until compliance is achieved as directed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The first step in enforcement finds a written notice being issued for non-compliance,

In step two, a written order to disperse [all or some persons on premises disperse] in order to restrict and suppress COVID-19, until such time as the business or establishment is in compliance.

The final step is businesses who fail to comply could face a fine between $75 and $2,500.

“The health department is committed to protecting the health and well-being of Grundy County residents, and appreciates cooperation among businesses and residents in this most recent ruling,” Pruim said.