Face Coverings To Slow Coronavirus Spread Not Required In Glencoe

GLENCOE, IL — Village President Larry Levin urged Glencoe residents to go beyond advice from public health officials and cover their faces at all times while in public, but he stopped short of joining leaders of other North Shore towns in issuing an executive order making the recommendations mandatory for shoppers and workers at essential businesses.

Levin joined Winnetka Village President Chris Rintz in announcing he has decided against issuing an order requiring those in the village following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding the use of face coverings in public. Public health officials say wearing face coverings when within six feet others can significantly reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, especially from people who do not show symptoms after contracting the virus.

In a letter to residents Tuesday, Levin said he believes Glencoe residents can be trusted to do the right thing when asked. He said adding new enforcement responsibilities would "further stretch" the village's public safety department, which handles both police and fire responsibilities. He said asking the community for its partnership was preferably to an executive mandate.

"It is in the spirit of being good neighbors and caring for one another that I am urging all Glencoe residents to follow the CDC's guidance to wear face coverings while in public places such as essential businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies and dry cleaners," Levin said.

"I encourage our businesses to require patrons and employees to wear face coverings, and to post the requirement at their doors to ensure their customers comply," he added. "I also strongly encourage residents to add another layer of precaution above the CDC’s recommendation and to wear face coverings at all times in public, including while walking, biking or jogging in the community. I believe doing so will further protect our community."

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In the north suburbs, mayors and village presidents in Glenview, Skokie, Northbrook, Niles, Morton Grove, Highland Park, Wilmette, Deerfield, Mundelein and Waukegan have issued orders making requiring people to cover their faces in certain conditions. In Evanston, the health director issued such an order.

According to the Cook County Department of Public Health, as of Wednesday, Glencoe had 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus strain first identified in China in December 2019. There were 62 in Winnetka. No Glencoe residents and two Winnnetka residents had died, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Levin reminded Glencoe residents that wearing a face covering is not a replacement for social distancing. He emphasized actions taken as individuals and a community can help lesson the spread of

"Wearing a face covering doesn't need to hamper the Glencoe spirit that I'm so proud to see every day in our community. Choose a bright color fabric or a cheerful print. Continue to say hello to neighbors," Levin said. "Smile – even if your smile isn’t visible, the kindness in your eyes will shine."

Related:

• Face Masks Recommended, Not Required In Winnetka Amid Coronavirus
• Highland Park Mayor Issues Order Requiring Face Coverings
• Evanston Health Director Makes Face Covering Mandatory
• Face Coverings Required In Wilmette To Slow Spread Of Coronavirus