Coronavirus: Skokie Residents Must Wear Face Coverings In Public

SKOKIE, IL — An emergency directive signed by Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen will require the use of face coverings in public places. The directive, which will take effect at 5 p.m. Thursday, will apply to anyone working at or patronizing a Skokie business open to the public, anyone riding public transportation and rideshares or anyone in a situation that would bring them in close proximity to others. Affected businesses include grocery stores, restaurants, hardware stores, financial institutions, laundry services, pharmacies, group homes and assisted living.

The directive would not be necessary for outdoor activities that practice social distancing of 6 feet, riding in a personal vehicle, drinking or eating, when alone or with household members in a single residence or when doing so poses a great health and safety risk.

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But Skokie is not alone. The village of Glenview signed a similar order last week requiring the use of face coverings.

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.

Homemade clothing 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 be laundered or machine-dried without damage or change to shape.

Read full Village of Skokie Emergency Directive for Mandatory Village-Wide Face Covering to Preserve Public Health and Protect Residents in Response to COVID-19 issued April 16, 2020

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