New Lenox Holds Free Mask Giveaway

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox, New Lenox township and the Highway Commissioner will give away masks to "anyone who pays taxes in New Lenox Township," Mayor Tim Baldermann said in a video update May 7.

A free mask distribution will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the New Lenox Commons. Those looking for masks should enter the Commons off of the Haven Avenue and Gear Drive intersection. IDs will be checked to ensure you live in New Lenox Township.

"Everyone will stay in their vehicles, and we will direct you into two different lanes," Baldermann said. Residents should bring a piece of paper from home and write down how many masks you need.

"That way nobody has to get out of their vehicle, we can just hand the masks to you and then direct you out," Baldermann said.

Baldermann said they are looking to give one mask per resident.

"Do not hoard these masks, just come and take one for your needs," Baldermann said in the video.

Village's Stance On Mask Enforcement

Baldermann said the village is not enforcing individual mask-wearing, but leaving it to the individual businesses.

"If they are adopting [mask-wearing] as policy per the governor's order, they have every right to tell customers that they must be wearing a mask in their store," Baldermann said in the video. "Any customer that does not wear a mask, the business has the right to ask them to leave."

If a customer refuses to leave, then the businesses can contact the New Lenox Police Department, and it would become a trespassing issue, Baldermann said.

"Individual private businesses have the right to enforce those policies," Baldermann said.

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