On August 20, 2021, the Cook County Department of Public Health announced a new indoor mask order (2021-10) to address the continued spread of COVID-19 and the Delta variant.
The new mandate begins August 23, 2021. It applies to all of Cook County except Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, and Stickney Township.
From the press release:
“…all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask indoors, beginning on Monday, Aug. 23. The order…requires that all people above age two who can medically tolerate a mask to wear one in multi-unit residential buildings and public places, such as restaurants, movie theaters, retail establishments, fitness clubs, and on public transportation.”
From the order:
“All Businesses and Individuals
- Any individual aged two and older and able to medically tolerate a mask shall be required to wear a mask when indoors in a public place, regardless of vaccination status.
- For the purposes of this Order, indoor public spaces include any common or shared space in: (1) a residential multi-unit building or (2) any non-residential building, including but not limited to 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.
- Mask refers to a complete and tight knit fabric or cloth, or medical mask that is appropriately sized for the individual’s face to snuggly cover the nasal openings and mouth without the necessity of being held in place by the individual’s hands.
- All businesses open to public must post signage, in a form and size approved by CCDPH, advising patrons and staff that masks are required to be worn on the premises. Such 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.
- Masks may be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating/drinking while stationary. Masks can also be removed for certain activities that require their removal, such as beard shaves or facials.”
Legal Guidance
As noted in the press release, the new Cook County mask mandate applies to “multi-unit residential buildings.”
Our law firm has received an unprecedented number of questions regarding masking restrictions, rules enforcement, assessment collection, and liability concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. We certainly understand and empathize with boards, property managers, and owners alike.
KSN is aware of the board’s delicate balance between fulfilling the legal obligations to their association while assisting their fellow owners.
If KSN can answer any legal questions or assist your Board, do not hesitate to contact our law firm. Please call 855-537-0500 or visit www.ksnlaw.com.
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