Coronavirus: IL Stores Already Require Masks Ahead Of State Order

ILLINOIS — The extended stay-at-home order for Illinois starts May 1 — despite legal challenges from at least two Republican state representatives — and requires everyone to wear masks or face coverings in public. But some stores — like Costco, Menards and The Fresh Market — are already requiring shoppers to don face coverings.

Chains including Target, Walmart, CVS, Whole Foods and Walgreens already required employees to wear masks, and some retailers are now making it a requirement for customers or strongly urging them to do so.

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Starting Monday, Costco, which has multiple locations in Chicago and the suburbs, will require all shoppers to wear masks or face coverings. The rule doesn't apply to children under age 2 or people who cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition.

The company said "use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing."

Menards is also requiring masks or face coverings for shoppers in store. The new rule started Tuesday. Customers who arrive without a mask are asked to leave the store or purchase one for $1 to wear while shopping.

The Fresh Market strongly encourages shoppers to wear masks but does not turn away customers who arrive without a mask. Walgreens told the Chicago Tribune it is encouraging customers to wear masks but, out of concern for workers' safety, advises employees against confronting or barring shoppers who arrive bare faced.

A day after announcing the new stay-at-home order, Gov. J.B. Pritzker was asked about employee safety when confronting or turning away shoppers who are not wearing masks, but did not seem to believe it was a significant concern.

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"We have put in a requirement for people to wear face coverings," he said. "It's perfectly acceptable to tell people that you're not allowed in if you're not wearing a face covering," Pritzker added, saying that wearing a face covering is meant to protect other people, not the wearer, and that shoppers who refuse "are not just disrespectful but potentially infecting others."

Jewel-Osco and Target told the Tribune they have employees stationed at entrances to remind shoppers of local mask ordinances. Jewel said it will work with law enforcement to ensure shoppers follow local laws.

Some stores, including Costco and Walmart, have also made changes amid the pandemic to limit the number of customers who can enter the store at a time, and Walmart is implementing one-way aisles to help enforce social distancing.

Many stores have also adjusted hours or implemented separate hours for senior citizens or vulnerable customers.

Prior to the stay-at-home order extension, some Illinois towns enacted their own rules requiring face coverings in public or while shopping, including Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, Deerfield, Skokie and others.