In light of the uptick in COVID-19 cases, the Cook County Department of Public Health has reinstated the mask mandate for individuals in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status. This mandate is effective as of Monday, August 23.
Any individual aged two and older and able to medically tolerate a mask shall be required to wear a mask when in indoor public spaces. This includes:
any common or shared space in a residential multi-unit building
any non-residential building, such as retail stores, restaurants, bars/taverns, health and fitness clubs, museums, hotels, personal services, performance venues, movie theaters, commercial buildings, event venues, healthcare settings, congregate facilities, on public transportation and in transportation hubs.
Masks may be removed at restaurants, bars, and other eating or drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating or drinking while stationary. Masks can also be removed for certain activities that require their removal, such as beard shaves or facials.
All businesses open to the public must post signage advising patrons and staff that masks are required to be worn on the premises. The signage must be posted at all entrances to the premises as well as prominently posted in an area visible to patrons and staff within the establishment.
This guidance will remain in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency or the Cook County Department of Public Health determines that the threat to public safety has diminished.