The State of Illinois today announced revised guidelines for restaurants and bar establishments Statewide, to operate safely and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Based on a recent increase in cases, these guidelines require patrons to wear a mask during any interaction with wait staff, food service workers, and other employees at bars and restaurants. Face coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth when patrons are approached and served by staff. This includes, but is not limited to, when employees take patrons’ orders, deliver food and beverages, and service tables. Guidance will 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.
New guidelines went into effect Wednesday, August 26, 2020, and require face coverings to be worn both at indoor and outdoor dining settings in all 11 regions in the State. Full guidelines are on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website: https://dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois.
Patrons are currently required to wear a mask whenever on premises, except while eating and drinking at the table or bar. The new guidelines ensure that while seated, interactions between business staff and patrons can happen safely to prevent possible spread of the virus.
“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,” said Governor J. B. Pritzker. “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.”
“On behalf of the thousands of restaurant workers that we serve in Illinois and across the Country, we strongly support Gov. Pritzker’s initiative, to enforce restaurant guidance during this unprecedented public health crisis. This is significantly critical for the safety and health of our restaurant workers and customers–and the gateway for workers to get their jobs back and revive the economy,” said Sekou Siby, President and CEO of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United. “The restaurant industry employs nearly 14 million workers, or 10% of the entire U. S. workforce. This updated guidance, which can be a model for other States, underscores the need for a vital policy on how restaurant businesses should reopen safely, equitably, and responsibly.”