Take Our Survey: Masks And The Coronavirus In Illinois

ILLINOIS— The coronavirus pandemic has put a tremendous strain on nearly everyone and everything, and it seems to have widened the political divisions so noticeable in American life. Perhaps the most visible sign of these divisions is the debate over the need for masks.

In Illinois, even as Phase 4 begins on June 26 — and indoor dining and gatherings of up to 50 people can resume — health officials urge residents to wear masks in restaurants (when not eating), retail businesses and public buildings, as well as in public settings where social distancing is not possible. But some have resisted these rules, arguing that they infringe on basic freedoms.

The CDC said face coverings may help slow the spread of the virus and keep people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

IL Phase 4: Here's What Reopens, What's Allowed

The Illinois Department of Public Health says, "All Illinoisans should wear a mask or face covering when they must leave their home or report to work for essential operations and they either cannot or it is impractical to maintain 6 feet of physical distance between themselves and others."

IDPH included these examples of times and places residents should wear masks:

• Shopping,
• Picking up food from the drive thru or curbside pickup,
• While visiting your health care provider,
• Traveling on public transportation,
• Interacting with customers, clients or coworkers at essential businesses,
• Performing essential services for state and local government agencies, such as laboratory testing, where close interactions with other people are unavoidable, and
• When feeling sick, coughing, or sneezing.

The Illinois State Board of Education last week strongly recommended schools reopen in the fall, but with a requirement for students and staff to wear masks. Meanwhile, the IHSA has said sports may resume with up to 50 players and limited spectators, but had this instruction regarding masks: "Coaches/participants/volunteers may choose to wear a mask."

Patch has created this survey to find out what readers think about the mask issue. The survey is not meant to be a scientific poll, with random sampling and margins of error, but is meant only to gauge the sentiments of our readers in an informal way.

Results will be posted Wednesday. The survey is now closed.