New Lenox Approves Mask-Wearing Ordinance

NEW LENOX, IL — At its meeting on Monday, the New Lenox Village Board approved an ordinance amendment which will allow the village to enforce mask wearing in public places.

"This board has taken this virus very seriously, and we are trying to balance safety first and foremost for the people who live and do business and visit this community, but understanding the difficulties that our business community has faced over the last several months," Mayor Tim Baldermann said during Monday's meeting.

If a business remains open for indoor dining, which is currently against state mitigations, Baldermann said tables must be kept 6 feet apart and mask wearing is required when not eating or drinking.

"We have to do our part, but we're also recognizing how important it is for these businesses to survive," Baldermann said.

Baldermann said this ordinance isn't going to be "heavy-handed."

"The reason, though, that it needs to be in place, is because right now if you do have one or two businesses that are way off the charts with what they're doing, we don't have anything to point to," he said.

In a post on Facebook on Wednesday, Baldermann said the ordinance calls for mask wearing inside businesses and public buildings, and not when you're walking down the street.

"We're doing what we can to keep businesses open and protect the employees and patrons inside. Nothing more than that. If you are already doing that, then there is no change. If you aren't, do it so others who work hard under these circumstances can feel comfortable," Baldermann wrote in a Facebook post to local community groups.

The board decided to waive the second read of the ordinance, and made the ordinance effective Dec. 1.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order for mask wearing in public places on May 1.