In case you needed yet another reason to mask up before heading out into public: Facing what he calls a "make or break moment" in the struggle to stem rising COVID-19 cases in Illinois, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced today that businesses and other public spaces will be subject to a new, multi-step set of rules regarding mask enforcement.
Part of an emergency update to the Illinois Department of Public Health rules, the new set of regulations doesn't affect or penalize individuals caught without a mask in public. Instead, it's meant to target businesses, schools and other institutions that aren't complying with mandatory mask usage for employees and patrons with the threat of a fine.
"This is a way for businesses who have been real scofflaws to know that there's a real penalty at the end of the line here," Pritzker said in Friday morning press conference, also acknowledging that the "vast majority" of individuals have complied with the state's existing mask order.
The new system includes three phases for enforcement of the mask order. First, businesses will be given a written warning on the importance of mask usage in public spaces, urging them to voluntarily comply. Next, continually offending businesses will receive an order to clear out patrons to reduce health risks. Finally, if the business in question still won't comply, they'll be issued a $75–$2,500 fine. This is an update from current Illinois laws, which slap offending businesses with an immediate penalty, such as the revocation of a license.
The fine at the end of the three-step process might not apply to you personally, but please, for the sake of your favorite local businesses (and everyone else!), pull that mask up and over your nose and mouth before you go out in public.
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