IDPH Repeals Face Mask Rule & Gathering Size Rules – Governor Issues New EO

Illinois  (ECWd) –

The Illinois Department of Public Health, effective May 17, 2021, has repealed the Emergency Rule created January 4th, 2021.

While not the complete description as implied, this is the published langauge in the repeal documentatoin: “This rule required people over age two who are able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth) to use a face covering when in a public place and they are unable to maintain at least a six-foot social distance. This requirement also applied whether in an indoor space, such as a store, or in an outdoor space. Any business, service, facility or organization open to the public or employees was to require employees, customers, and other individuals on the premises to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when on premises. This requirement also applies to all schools and day care facilities. Additionally, the emergency rule also prohibited gatherings of more than 50 people (or gatherings of 50% or more of a building’s maximum occupancy if 50% of a building’s maximum occupancy is less than 50 people). The CDC recommendations dated May 13, 2021 render the emergency rule in effect to be outdated.”

There are numerous rules repealed and we encourage everyone to scroll through the documents found below and read the lined out text in red, which is what the rules used to be.

While the IDPH repeals the rule, Governor Pritzker issues a new Executive Order which exempts local government – “This Executive Order does not apply to the United States government and does not affect services provided by the State or any municipal, township, county, subdivision or agency of government and needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies or to provide for or support the health, safety and welfare of the public.”

Of special interest in light of past abuses of power, the new EO recognizes Free exercise of religion.  “This Executive Order does not limit the free exercise of religion.  To protect the health and safety of faith leaders, staff, congregants and visitors, religious organizations and houses of worship are encouraged to consult and follow the recommended practices and guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Religious organizations are encouraged to take precautions for their congregants and visitors who are not fully vaccinated to ensure social distancing, the use of face coverings, and implementation of other public health measures. “

Rather than trying to mandate unenforceable edicts, he now takes the path of encouraging particular precautions.

A copy of the IDPH Repeal information can be downloaded at this link or viewed below.  The most recent EO can be found at his link.