Peoria Standard

After a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in Illinois, state officials are hoping their latest revision of Restore Illinois guidelines will keep residents safe when visiting a restaurant or bar.

Masks will be required during all interactions with food servers and employees at bars and restaurants, according to the state. Patrons must wear masks that cover their nose and mouths when placing their food or beverage orders, when their food is being delivered to their table, or during any other scenarios when they are in close contact with a service worker. This requirement is in place for all 11 regions in the state.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said face coverings are necessary when interacting with people who are not typically in your immediate surroundings.

"Going out for food and drinks should not be a reason or an excuse to let our guards down in the fight against COVID-19," Ezike told Illinois.gov.

Under the new guidelines, the only time a person patronizing a restaurant or bar should remove their mask is if they are eating or drinking at their table or in their seat at the bar. As soon as an interaction is set to occur, the face covering must go back on.  

“We will continue to adapt our guidelines and institute additional precautions to help protect all residents that make up our communities," Ezike said.

Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, said the revised guidelines are in line with his association’s message, "Covered Faces Keep Open Places," and are crucial if restaurants and bars are to remain open.

"Face coverings will protect both diners and team members during this critical time,” Toia said. “It is up to every individual to work collectively toward this common goal."

Tables have to be at least 6 feet apart and no more than 10 people can be seated together. Indoor standing areas can only be at 25 percent capacity.

Sekou Siby, president and CEO of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, said the health and wellness of restaurant workers and customers is critical for the economy while the country continues to grapple with the severe impact the coronavirus is having on the nation’s bottom line.

"The restaurant industry employs nearly 14 million workers, or 10% of the entire U.S. workforce,” Siby said. “This updated guidance, which can be a model for other states, underscores the need for a vital policy on how restaurant businesses should reopen safely, equitably and responsibly."

As of Oct. 7, Illinois reported 305,011 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 8,836 deaths.