CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday defended his administration’s new emergency rule obligating business owners to enforce mask-wearing and once again warned that some regions could be rolled back from reopening if COVID-19 numbers worsen.
Pritzker held his latest briefing on coronavirus by highlighting state assistance to businesses, which will now be expected to make sure employees and customers are wearing face coverings. The state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has awarded the first wave of grants, nearly $50 million, to businesses that have struggled during the pandemic.
But looming at the governor’s news conference was the mask rule under the Illinois Department of Public Health — a measure narrowly approved by a legislative panel Tuesday. It effectively foists mask enforcement on shop and business owners, which will face warnings and potential fines. Local authorities will be expected to monitor compliance by business owners.
“This is a make or break moment for the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said.
Business groups say it’s unfair to hold owners responsible for the behavior of others.
On Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,645 new cases of coronavirus, including 16 deaths related to COVID-19. The statewide "positivity rate" was 4.1% -- a relatively low number, but higher than the 2.5% from early July.
Pritzker said few of the state's 11 medical regions have seen their coronavirus metrics decrease, though many are stable.