Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order on May 17 relaxing mask-wearing in accordance with the new CDC guidelines. Here’s what it means to your small business:
• Workers who aren’t fully vaccinated must practice social distancing and wear face coverings when social distancing is not always possible.
• Owners must ensure that all spaces where employees may gather, including locker rooms and lunchrooms, allow for social distancing.
• Employers must ensure that all visitors (customers, vendors, etc.) to the workplace who are not fully vaccinated can practice social distancing; if social distancing is not possible, then employers should encourage visitors to wear masks.
• Businesses must continue to take all necessary steps to protect employees and customers by ensuring that any return to work plans adhere to all applicable public health guidance.
The state also is rescinding an emergency rule that allowed businesses to be fined up to $2,500 for failing to enforce mask requirements and social distancing rules, although businesses “may continue to require face coverings and social distancing, even for those who are fully vaccinated.” If you have any questions about what the updated mask guidelines mean to your small business, contact NFIB State Director Mark Grant at [email protected].
