By PETER HANCOCK

Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker has ordered a stricter statewide mask mandate covering bars and restaurants in Illinois as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

Effective Wednesday, Aug. 26, all bar and restaurant patrons will be required to wear face coverings when interacting with wait staff or other employees. Masks will also be required when food or beverages are being brought to the patron’s table, when placing orders and when picking up carry-out orders.

“Illinois has had a mask mandate since May 1 this year, and in most establishments people are adhering to it,” Pritzker said during a COVID-19 briefing. “But it’s important that we treat hospitality employees just as you would in any retail store or establishment. This new requirement asks a little bit more of our residents dining out in order to protect their health and safety and that of our front-line hospitality workers.”