(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — As Illinois prepares to fully reopen later this week, small business owners are split on whether or not to lift mask guidelines.
A sign outside Vintage Charm in west suburban La Grange says face masks are not required for those who are fully vaccinated.
“We really have had no issues with it at all,” said Carol Neff, general manager of Vintage Charm’s five locations. “As a matter of fact, business is booming because I do think people, they just want to be out. It's a freedom thing.”
Just down the road, Wonderful Matcha’s front door features a sign that reads, “Please wear a face mask.”
Co-owner Yasmin Odtallah told WBBM Newsradio the decision stems from her background in neuroscience and her research into the long-term effects of COVID-19.
“My mom had COVID a few weeks back and she was hospitalized for a week. So, from our standpoint, we obviously want to stay as healthy as possible and we don't want to infect others,” Odtallah said.
While both small businesses have different mask policies, they agree they really have very little control over people.
“We knew early on, there was going to be no way we could control this because people are not going to be totally upfront and honest with us,” Neff said. “We weren't going to ask for a card. We know those can be duplicated.”
“If you're more than kind enough to wear a mask, we love that,” said Odtallah. “If you choose not to, there's obviously nothing we can really do about it at this point.”
Governor J.B. Pritzker announced Illinois will move into Phase 5 and fully reopen June 11.
Fully vaccinated residents will still need to wear masks where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business guidance.
Related
