Governor’s Office Daily COVID-19 Q & A
May 20, 2020
Restore Illinois
Q: Could portrait/photography studios be cleared for reopening in the next phase?
UPDATED A: Indoor studio and home photography are not permitted until Phase 3 and must follow IDPH approved safety guidance. Photographers can currently operate under limited conditions such as the “front porch shoots.” Outdoor photography and front porch shoots will still be permitted so long as social distancing is followed. Gatherings, such as weddings, must be fewer than 10 people. Please continue to check the DPH website to determine which phase your region is in https://www.dph.illinois.gov/restore.
Q: Are independent massage therapists able to operate now? If not, under which phase can they reopen?
A: According to the Restore Illinois plan, massage therapists will be allowed to operate in Phase 3 working one-on-one with clients while following IDPH approved safety guidance. Please continue to check the DPH website to determine which phase your region is in https://www.dph.illinois.gov/restore.
Q: What are the consequences for stores or businesses (public accommodations) that deny entry to individuals unable to wear a face-covering (mask) due to a medical condition or disability?
A: In order to protect the public’s health, during COVID-19, the State of Illinois requires individuals to wear face-coverings when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance and when in public indoor spaces such as stores. A store or business can prohibit individuals from entering or remaining in a facility if a face-covering is not worn that is well secured and covers the nose and mouth. However, the prohibition is not absolute. When an individual has a medical condition or disability that prevents them from safely wearing a face-covering, the individual should engage the store or business to determine if reasonably accommodations can be made. The store or business should make reasonable accommodations without endangering their health, or the health of others. For more information, please see the Department of Human Rights FAQ https://www2.illinois.gov/dhr/Documents/IDHR_FAQ_for_Businesses_Concerning_Use_of_Face-Coverings_During_COVID-19_Ver_2020511b%20copy.pdf.