CHICAGO — The State of Illinois on Tuesday announced revised guidelines for dining in restaurants and bars to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The new guidelines require patrons to wear a mask during any interaction with wait staff, food service workers and other restaurant and bar employees.
“Customers must follow this rule when food and beverages are brought to the table, when orders are placed, or when picking up carryout orders,” Pritzker said.
The new statewide guidelines go into effect Wednesday, August 26.
“This new requirement asks a little bit more of our residents dining out, in order to protect their health and safety, and that of our front line hospitality workers,” Pritzker said.
The revised guidelines build on both the statewide Restore Illinois guidelines as well as the tiered mitigation strategies that are implemented when a region sees consistent increased test positivity or hospital admissions.
“Going out for food and drinks should not be a reason or an excuse to let our guards down in the fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of Illinois Department of Public Health.
“IDPH and DCEO are updating current guidance to make it clear that face coverings should be worn in any situation where we are interacting with those outside of our immediate circles. We will continue to adapt our guidelines and institute additional precautions to help protect all residents that make up our communities,” Ezike said.
For more information from the IDPH, click HERE.
