Oak Brook has joined a growing number of suburbs in requiring people to wear face coverings, as Village President Gopal Lalmalani issued an executive order Wednesdaywith the requirement, which takes effect Friday.
The order is in effect until further notice for anyone older than age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering, which is required to cover a person’s nose and mouth with a mask or cloth when in a public place.
Lalmalani said Wednesday that he would like to see residents, visitors and store workers begin wearing the face coverings in public immediately.
He also said Oak Brook’s requirement does not apply to people who are out walking or jogging for exercise, driving alone in their cars or in their yards with members of their own household.
“Each business that is open must either supply or require their employees to wear face coverings when dealing with the public,” he said. ” Individuals out in the public must maintain social distancing guidelines and continue with frequent hand washing.”
Lalmalani, a cardiologist, said the current coronavirus virus is an unusual but powerful one, and most of those who are carriers are asymptomatic.
“Wearing my mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” he said. “As a physician, I want to continue to stress the seriousness of the situation and encourage all our residents to utilize the best public health practices for everyone’s safety.”
Skokie, Morton Grove, Wilmette, Cicero, Oak Lawn, Glenview, Highland Park, Niles, and Northbrook have enacted similar measures.