CHICAGO — Restaurant and bar patrons are now required to wear masks anytime they’re interacting with staff.
The policy will go into place Wednesday throughout Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker announced at a Tuesday press conference.
Illinoisans have been required to wear masks when in public and unable to social distance since May, but customers at bars and restaurants were allowed to take off masks once they’re seated. The rule change means customers now have to keep on their mask when ordering or otherwise talking to employees.
Officials hope the new rule will protect servers and other hospitality workers, who have, for months, expressed concerns about customers not being required to wear masks when speaking with them.
“Customers must follow this rule when food and beverages are brought to the table, when orders are placed and when picking up carryout orders,” Pritzker said. “It’s important that we treat hospitality employees just as you would” staff members at any other store.
“This new requirement will keep people safe while moving the economy forward and, frankly, that’s a goal we believe in.”
Restaurants and bars can get free signs and guidance on the rule change online.
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