The governor is requiring everyone Illinoisan above the age of 2 to wear a face-covering in public, for all indoor spaces where social distancing is not possible.

Governor JB Pritzker's order states:

Beginning on May 1, individuals will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance. Face-coverings will be required in public indoor spaces, such as stores. This new requirement applies to all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask.

According to reports, your face-covering or mask does not have to be an actual N95 mask or surgical-type mask. You can feel free to fashion your own, as long as it meets some of the specifications of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC says face-coverings/masks should:

  • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • be secured with ties or ear loops
  • include multiple layers of fabric
  • allow for breathing without restriction
  • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

For children under 2, the Centers for Disease Control said infants have such small airways, putting a mask on could do more harm than good. Doctors said on children younger than 2-years-old, a mask could suffocate them. Instead, keep the little ones out of public settings and have family members wear a mask around the baby. Wash your hands often.

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