Mundelein is joining a growing number of suburban communities that have required individuals to wear face coverings when out in public and visiting essential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
The face-covering requirement in Mundelein takes effect Thursday and will last as long as the village’s emergency order remains in place, officials announced Tuesday.
Individuals over the age of 5 will have to wear face masks in Mundelein either when patronizing or working at businesses that remain open to the public or using public transportation.
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The village’s order also adheres to guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends face coverings be worn in places where social distancing can be compromised.
The order specifically lays out examples where face coverings will be required, such as trips to grocery stores, restaurants, hardware and building supply stores, financial institutions, laundry services, pharmacies, group homes and assisted living facilities.
People who visit health professionals and ride in buses, trains, taxis and ride shares also will be required to wear face masks.
People who are outside for physical recreation are not required to wear a face covering as long as social distancing is maintained. Those riding in their own personal vehicle or at home either alone or with a house member are not required, as well.
Mundelein’s order comes after numerous municipalities, including Deerfield, Highland Park, Niles and Skokie, have rolled out similar requirements to try and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Like those other towns, Mundelein officials also are encouraging businesses to refuse service to those who refuse to cover their face.
“Like all other physical distancing measures, including the closure of schools, parks and all non-essential businesses, implementing the mandatory face masks in certain locations benefits the well-being of the entire community,” Mayor Steve Lentz stated. “In these trying times, more than ever we need to watch out for each other.”