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City of Evanston Health & Human Services Department Announces Indoor Mask Mandate

Statewide Rise in COVID-19 Cases, Delta Variant Prompt Proactive Measure

EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston’s Health & Human Services Department today announced that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask in public indoor spaces beginning Friday, August 27.

The Order, which is in alignment with recent mask mandates issued by the Cook County Department of Public Health and Chicago Department of Public Health, requires persons two years of age and older who are able to medically tolerate a mask to wear one in indoor public settings, including but not limited to retail establishments, fitness centers, restaurants, movie theaters, event venues and common areas of multi-unit residential buildings. Masks can be removed for certain activities that require their removal, such as beard shaves, facials, or while actively eating or drinking.

As part of the Order, businesses and other venues must post signage indicating that masks are required for all individuals regardless of vaccination status. The City has provided a sign that businesses may print and display.

“With an increase in COVID-19 cases both locally and nationally, combined with the threat posed by the highly contagious Delta variant, we must use every tool at our disposal to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Health & Human Services Director Ike Ogbo. “In addition to getting vaccinated, wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces is one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves and others.”

The City’s Order will remain in place until the City’s Health & Human Services Department determines that the threat to public health has diminished to the point that the Order can be repealed.

For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/covid19 or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.

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