Kane County businesses react to new statewide mask mandate

Harvey’s Tales bookstore owner Roxanne Osborne was not surprised to hear that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was planning to implement a new statewide indoor mask mandate in the face of a rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

“We actually were anticipating it given the numbers,” said Osborne, who owns the Geneva bookstore with her husband, Chuck Osborne. “We believe in the science. That in and of itself can be controversial. But we were watching the numbers and we were watching the cases rise.”

On Thursday, Pritzker announced a statewide indoor mask mandate for everyone 2 and older, effective Monday, regardless of vaccination status. He also announced a vaccine mandate for all kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and support staff and higher education employees and students to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Pritzker said those who are unable or unwilling to get a vaccine from those groups may face additional testing if required by the state board of education or Illinois Department of Public Health.

She noted that her entire staff at Harvey’s Tales is fully vaccinated.

“It is something that we requested of our team and they happily complied,” she said. “But I do think the mask mandate is good for those who cannot get a vaccination. We have young children who come into the store all the time. And we have elderly customers who I am assuming most have been vaccinated, but who also could potentially have breakthrough cases. So we intend to fully comply with the governor’s request for masks in indoor retail places.”

Osborne said she already sent an email to her employees saying they will have to wear masks again starting Monday.

“We also will be making sure that anyone who visits the store wears a mask,” she said.

Osborne said customers for the most part complied with the previous mask mandate.

“We really had very few people refuse to wear masks the last time,” she said. “I’m hoping we have the same result this time. We want to protect everyone that comes into the store as best we can.”

Scott Beltran, owner and chef at Daddies’ Diner in Batavia, said his business plans to fully comply with the new mandate, even though he knows that masks can be irritating.

”It’s annoying, it’s hot, it cuts into my ears, but if it saves a life, then it’s worth it,” Beltran said. “If it saves one life, then God bless. If that’s what they want us to do, then that’s what we will do.”

The restaurant has been complying with COVID-19 restrictions throughout the pandemic. However, some businesses have been openly defiant.

Last year, Luau Coffee in Campton Hills posted hand written signs on the front and back of its business stating, “Notice – This is a mask-free environment. Enter at your own risk.”