COVID-19 Violations On Rise At Bars, Restaurants

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Public health departments in Lake and McHenry counties have investigated more than 300 business-related complaints regarding social distancing and masking violations at restaurants and bars in the past two months, health officials said. Illinois entered Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan on May 29, which is when bars and restaurants were allowed to open for outdoor seating.

And then on June 26, Illinois entered Phase 4, which has allowed restaurant and bars to reopen with special protocols in place meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. As part of the safety measures, tables needed to be spaced at least six feet part in seated areas, and in standing areas, no more than 25 percent of the capacity was allowed.

• Restore Illinois Phase 3 Coronavirus Business Guidelines Released

The majority of businesses have followed procedures put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus, health officials said. But, local health departments have seen an increase in business-related complaints, said Mark Pfister, executive director for the Lake County Health Department.

“We thank the majority of business owners who have already gone above and beyond to operate safely during this phase of the pandemic, you have truly stepped up to protect your patrons and staff,” Pfister said. “In our region, we are working with municipal leaders to step up local enforcement, reinforcing this message: these guidelines are not just a suggestion—they are critical to protecting the public’s health so that businesses can remain open.”

Patch.com has requested the names of the businesses where complaints have been made, but that information was not immediately available.

Health officials continue to urge people to follow the 3 "Ws" every day: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance. Both Lake and McHenry public health officials also recommend that residents avoid crowded places and all non-essential travel as cases continue to surge in the United States and abroad.

On Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will file new emergency rules to enforce the state's mask mandate on businesses, schools and other institutions. The proposed rules do not apply to individuals.

• New Emergency Mask Rules Proposed For Businesses, Schools

Businesses that refuse to comply with public health guidance to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus can be subject to a class A misdemeanor and a fine of up to $2,500. The governor said the rules do not apply to individuals and are aimed at giving local health departments more opportunities to warn operators before issuing penalties.

Under the new rules, a written notice would be followed by an order to vacate the premises for those who do not comply voluntarily. Pre-pandemic laws only allowed law enforcement and public health officials to take stricter steps, like revoking licenses, according to the governor's office.

Illinois on Friday saw more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time since late May, and the statewide positivity rate rose to 4.1 percent. As of August 3, the testing positivity rate in the North Suburban Region, which is made up of Lake and McHenry counties, was 4.9 percent, with daily increases reported in 4 of the past 10 days.

Cases in the region continue to rise, with higher rates reported among teens and young adults in recent weeks. The 20 to 29 age group now has the highest case count in both counties, according to a press release from the McHenry County Department of Health.