State updates COVID safety guidelines for restaurants and bars

Posted on August 25, 2020
Gov. JB Pritzker held a press briefing Tuesday in Joliet to discuss new COVID-19 mitigations in the Will and Kankakee County areas. (Neil Doyle/WJBC)

 

By Neil Doyle

CHICAGO – State officials Tuesday announced that patrons of bars and restaurants will be required to wear face coverings when interacting with employees.

Based on a recent increase in cases, Gov. JB Pritzker said the new statewide measure includes indoor and outdoor service and goes into effect Wednesday, Aug. 26.

“Our restaurant and bar owners want to remain open for business and we want them too also,” said Pritzker during a press briefing Tuesday. “This new requirement will help keep people safe while moving the economy forward, and frankly, that is a goal we all believe in.”

The governor said 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.

More information is available on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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