Illinois Mask Mandate: What Employers Need to Know

Effective Monday, August 30, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued Executive Order 2021-20, which requires all individuals in Illinois age two or older who are able to medically tolerate a face covering to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.

Under the Executive Order, “indoor public spaces” include offices and other workplaces, though it does provide that employees may remove their masks when they can consistently maintain six feet of distance (such as in their office or cubicle).

For employers who have returned employees to the workplace, this means that masking requirements should be reviewed or reissued. Any mask policy should require all employees to wear masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status, except when they can consistently maintain six feet of distance (such as when workers are in their office or cubicle space). The Order contains additional requirements for health care workers, schools, and government facilities.

Notably, the Order also makes clear that it does not prohibit employers from implementing vaccination or testing requirements for employees, contractors, or other visitors that exceed the requirements of this Executive Order.

The Labor and Employment Group at Levenfeld Pearlstein regularly helps businesses formulate COVID-19 policies for their workforces. If you’re interested in discussing this Order or any other COVID-19 requirements, please reach out.