New mask rule: patrons must wear mask when interacting with staff

Gov. JB Pritzker announced a a new statewide restaurant and bar policy requiring patrons to wear a mask during any interaction with wait staff, food service workers and other employees at bars and restaurants beginning Aug. 26.

“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,” according to the  Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.

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.

IDPH guidance also recommends that patrons wear face coverings over their nose and mouth when picking up food at a drive-thru window.

“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,” DCEO states.

Pritzker said on Tuesday, “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. 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.”

Phase 4 regulations remain in effect in ten out of the eleven regions across the state. 

Currently, bars and restaurants remain open with capacity restrictions to allow for social distancing – with seated parties of 10 or less, tables spaced 6-feet apart, and standing areas at no more than 25 percent capacity indoors. 

Region four is currently operating under increased mitigations following a sharp increase in its COVID-19 positivity rate, and Region seven will soon institute additional mitigation measures to take effect Aug. 26 in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The latest data on regional test positivity and hospitals can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health(IDPH) website.  More information about the Restore Illinois guidelines and tiered mitigation measures can be found on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website.