CHICAGO — Gov. JB Pritzker announced harsher penalties for businesses, schools and childcare settings that don’t comply with health guidelines and announced workplace protections for frontline workers.
Pritzker announced harsher penalties like fines for businesses that don’t enforce social distancing or mask requirements during a Friday morning press release.
Local health departments and law enforcement can warn establishments before issuing a penalty. There are multiple opportunities for a business to comply before receiving a penalty, the governor said.
Pritzker outlined a compliance process in a press release:
- Written warning where the establishment is encouraged to voluntarily comply with public health guidance
- Some or all patrons ordered to leave for business to comply with social distancing and capacity guidelines
- Class A misdemeanor and fine issued ranging from $75 to $2,500
The penalties do not affect individual citizens. The new guidelines will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois, according to the governor.
“Illinois has made substantial progress in our fight against COVID-19 because the vast majority of communities and business owners have done the right thing,” Gov. Pritzker said. “These rules will help ensure that the minority of people who refuse to act responsibly won’t take our state backward.”
Pritzker also signed a law to expand workplace protections for frontline workers.
The law adds a penalty for assaulting or battering a retail worker who tries to enforce public health guidelines like face mask requirements or social distancing.
It also increases paid disability leave for first responders “whose recovery was hindered by COVID-19.”
Judge Michael McHaney on Friday ordered Governor JB Pritzker to appear in his Clay County Courtroom at 1 p.m. next Friday to explain why he “should not be held in indirect civil contempt.” Failure to appear in court may result in a warrant issued for his arrest, the order says.
State Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) complained to the Clay County judge that Governor Pritzker is ignoring the court’s previous order and is exercising emergency powers concerning the COVID crisis extending beyond state law’s 30-day provision for such powers.