FAQ for Businesses Concerning Use of Face-Coverings During COVID-19

These frequently asked questions are to provide guidance regarding the application of the face covering requirement in Executive Order 2021-10 for businesses and other places of public accommodation subject to Article 5 of the Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/.

A: A face covering is a mask or cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth. The face covering should allow for breathing without restriction. There is no requirement to wear a hospital grade mask or other specific type or brand of face covering. You may wear a homemade face covering if it fits closely and covers your nose and mouth. For more specific information on how to make or care for your face covering, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/mask-use.

A: Executive Order 2021-10 requires any person who is NOT fully vaccinated and who is over 2 years of age to wear a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a 6-foot social distance. Exceptions may be made for individuals with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a face covering. For more information,  refer to the questions on reasonable accommodations.

A: Masks still must be worn by everyone on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation; in transportation hubs, such as airports and train and bus stations; in health care settings; and in congregate facilities, such as correctional facilities and homeless shelters. In addition, IDPH and the Illinois State Board of Education require masks in schools, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services requires masks in day cares.

A: Businesses are encouraged to prioritize the health and safety of their customers and workers and MAY continue to require masks and social distancing, even for those fully vaccinated. Check signs for mask requirements before entering.

Getting vaccinated is one of many steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, but stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools available. Wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose, staying at least 6 feet from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. The combination of getting vaccinated and following public health recommendations to protect yourself and others offers the best protection from COVID-19.

A: Yes. If you are in a public space and not fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a face covering even if you do not have symptoms or feel sick. People with COVID-19 sometimes do not have a fever, cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms, but can unknowingly, spread the virus to others. Wearing a face covering is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.

A: Yes. If your child is over 2 years age and does not have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from safely wearing a face covering (such as respiratory, heart, or sensory issues), then your child is required to wear a face covering if they are outdoors and unable to maintain a 6-foot distance from others or if they are in an indoor public space such as a store.

A: Yes. A store or business can prohibit you from entering the building if you do not have a face covering. However, if you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from safely wearing a face covering, then you should speak with a store employee about a reasonable accommodation to help you obtain the services you need without endangering your health or the health of other shoppers. For more information, refer to the questions on reasonable accommodations.

A: Yes. Even if you have already had COVID-19, you still may be contagious or have the ability to pass the virus to others.

A: Yes. There are certain circumstances when you may be required by a business to temporarily remove your face covering for the purpose of checking identification, such as if you are purchasing alcohol, cannabis, or certain medicines. If you are asked to remove your face covering in order to check identification, you should stand behind a partition, when present, or at least 6 feet away from other people and remove your face covering carefully and without touching your face or the inside of the face covering. You may ask the business for hand sanitizer before removing your face covering.

A: If you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from safely wearing a face covering, you cannot be required to wear one. However, if you cannot wear one, you will need to request a reasonable accommodation and take extra precautions to protect yourself and others from contracting COVID-19. For more information, refer to the questions on reasonable accommodations.

A: Businesses reserve the right to refuse service to persons unable to comply with the requirement to wear a face covering, but they are required to provide a reasonable accommodation if it does not cause an undue hardship. Businesses are encouraged to inform customers there are exceptions to the requirement that all individuals must wear a mask. Individuals should either contact the business to request an accommodation ahead of their visit or do so upon arrival.

The individual and business should discuss a reasonable accommodation that will not cause the business an undue hardship or endanger other individuals. Some examples of accommodations that may be reasonable and not cause undue hardship are:

1. Provide the individual an opportunity to order by telephone or online and provide pickup at a special register, curbside, or deliver to the individual’s home.
2. Arrange for an employee to bring the items for purchase to the individual and allow payment at a special register, over the phone, or at the front of the store.
3. Provide the individual with the opportunity to leave a list of items with the business and pick them up later or arrange for delivery to the individual’s home.
4. Provide the individual with an opportunity to shop during off-peak times where social distancing can be maintained.

A: If a business refuses to consider your request for a reasonable accommodation, you should report the incident to the Illinois Department of Human Rights by visiting www.illinois.gov/dhr or by calling (312) 814-4320 or (866) 740-3953 (TTY).

A: No. Proof of a medical condition or disability is not required. It is enough to communicate that you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from safely wearing a face covering. You should speak to the business about how your medical condition or disability can be accommodated, for example, through shopping at off-peak times or using delivery services. For more information, refer to  the questions on reasonable accommodations.

A: It is a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act for a business to take actions or profile a person based on factors such as race, national origin, religion, or disability. Individuals who believe they have been profiled by a place of public accommodation, such as a business, can contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights to file a discrimination charge by visiting www.illinois.gov/dhr or by calling (312) 814-4320 or (866) 740-3953 (TTY).

A: No. A business must treat all people equally. Individuals who believe they have been treated differently because of one or more protected bases can contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights to file a discrimination charge by visiting www.illinois.gov/dhr or by calling (312) 814-4320 or (866) 740-3953 (TTY).

A: If you believe a business is discriminating against you or others in the enforcement of its face covering policy, you should report the incident to the Illinois Department of Human Rights by visiting www.illinois.gov/dhr or by calling (312) 814-4320 or (866) 740-3953 (TTY).

Last Updated:  5/18/2021