Today’s update discusses The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s launch of a COVID-19 Information website and a statement regarding enforcement discretion during the pandemic. Additionally, this update will cover which local governments are requiring residents to wear face masks in public, and Governor Pritzker’s announcements regarding more testing in long-term care facilities and possibly requiring all residents of the State of Illinois to wear masks while in public.

ENVIRONMENTAL

 SOCIAL LIFE

  • Although the State of Illinois is not yet ordering residents to wear masks in public, local governments throughout the state have ordered masks to be worn. Last week, the Village of Niles joined Northbrook, Highland Park, Wilmette, and Morton Grove in ordering residents to wear facemasks at job sites and when in public. The orders require face coverings like scarves, bandanas, or handkerchiefs. Business owners are also allowed to refuse admission or service to anyone not wearing a cover. In an effort to get residents to comply, some areas have secured reusable cloth masks to distribute to community members in the coming weeks. For more information, visit https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/at-least-5-more-chicago-suburbs-now-require-masks-in-public/2258666/.

 HEALTH

 HeplerBroom attorney Emilee M. Bramstedt contributed to this blog post.