New face mask rule: Mask must be worn if interacting with wait staff at bars or restaurants, Pritzker says

Starting Wednesday, if you’re in a bar or restaurant in Illinois, you must wear a face mask or face covering while interacting with wait staff, food service workers or other employees.

The new guidelines from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health can be found on Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website and state that “Face coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth when patrons are approached and served by staff, including but not limited to when employees take patrons orders, deliver food and beverages, and service tables.

“This guidance will also apply to other facilities with food services areas that are currently subject to the Restore Illinois guidance, such as indoor recreational facilities, museums and entertainment venues.”

The new guidelines will require face coverings to be worn both in indoor and outdoor dining settings in all eleven regions in the state.

“Illinois residents continue to take important steps to protect the safety of our loved ones and neighbors. However, due to a recent uptick in cases, we must take additional precautionary steps when we are out in public,” Pritzker said Tuesday. “Based on conversations and input from industry and business leaders, the State of Illinois is implementing updated guidelines which will allow restaurants and bars across the state to stay open while helping protect the health and safety of patrons and staff.”

Patrons are currently required to wear a mask whenever on premises, except while eating and drinking at the table or bar.

“From the beginning, DCEO has worked closely with our colleagues at IDPH as well as industry leaders to create guidance that business owners can implement and use to keep employees and customers safe, and that will ultimately help guide the reopening of our economy,” DCEO Acting Director Michael Negron said in a news release. “In partnership with industry leadership at IRA and employee protection organizations representing hospitality staff across the state, our latest guidelines will put the health and safety of our hospitality industry employees first and allow consumers to have confidence that Illinois bars and dining establishments are taking all precautions to allow a safer experience.”

Source: The Daily Chronicle