Northbrook Requires Face Coverings In Public Due To Coronavirus

NORTHBROOK, IL — The village of Northbrook joined a handful of Chicago-area municipalities in requiring the use of the face coverings in public areas via a supplemental order taking effect on Monday. The order would apply to anyone over the age of five working at or patronizing a Northbrook business open to the public and anyone riding public transportation, including taxis and rideshares. A business owner or operator may refuse admission or service to any individual who fails to wear a face covering as required by this supplemental order.

The village also is aware that not all residents have the same access to face coverings. Therefore, it will be distributing a limited supply of nonsurgical masks to the community at a future date.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises the use of simple cloth face coverings for the general public, as opposed to surgical masks or N95 respirators, which must be reserved for health care workers and emergency personnel. N95 masks and medical-grade masks are not recommended for general public use under Northbrook's supplemental order.

Homemade cloth face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for unrestricted breathing and be able to launder or machine-dried without damage, according to the CDC.

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In addition to Northbrook, the village of Skokie required the use of face coverings starting Thursday. The village of Glenview also signed a similar order last week.

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