IL Patch Readers Are Split On Whether To Wear Masks Post-Mandate

CHICAGO — Now that mask mandates have been lifted across Illinois, the decision whether to wear face coverings at gyms, venues, bars and restaurants, among other places, is a personal choice.

Patch asked readers if they plan to enter public spaces barefaced where it is allowed, which doesn't include public transportation, airplanes, Chicago Public Schools and private businesses that require patrons to don face coverings.

More than 8,000 responses later, it's clear that Illinoisans are divided on whether to enter grocery stores, nail salons and barbershops without a mask.

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More than 48 percent of online poll respondents said they will not wear masks in public spaces where face coverings are not required.

About 31 percent said they plan to mask up regardless of governmental regulations.

And more than 20 percent of readers said they'll decide whether to wear a mask depending on the circumstances, according to the poll results.