Normal mayor issues emergency orders

Photo Courtesy of Uptown Normal Facebook

NORMAL, Ill. – As COVID-19 cases in McLean County continue to spike, Normal mayor has decided to implement two emergency orders to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Town of Normal is limiting gatherings near Illinois State University to 10 people or less and requiring customers of establishments with liquor licenses to be seated to be served. The two emergency orders were announced in a statement Friday evening.

Normal Mayor, Chris Koos expressed the importance for community members to follow the orders to limit the spread.

“The Town of Normal is concerned with limiting and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It’s in our citizens’ best interest to take these measures to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Koos.

Koos emphasized the increasing number of cases are traced to large gatherings and/or frequenting drinking establishments.

“We have to do something to stop the continued increase of the positivity rate. Ultimately, our goal is to keep businesses open. We don’t want to take steps back in Restore Illinois plans,” stated Koos.

The statement included ISU President Larry Dietz and Director of McLean County Health Department urging citizens to follow the orders.

“The Mayor’s emergency orders clearly show an expectation of behavior, demonstrating the Town of Normal’s dedication to health and protection of the public. Our community is being proactive to stop the current trajectory. For the citizens of McLean County, we are all committed to doing what we can to move things in the right direction,” stated McKnight.

 Emergency Order No. 20-011 limits gatherings of more than 10 people in areas in/around Illinois State University. As well as multifamily residential buildings or the common areas or parking lots related to multifamily residential buildings.

Parties or gatherings on private property are to require:

• Face coverings for people over the age of two and those able to medically tolerate a face covering when unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others;
• The maximum occupancy is 10 persons, including the host;
• The host must maintain a current and accurate occupancy count and immediately provide that count upon the request of any Enforcement Officer;
• The party or gathering must comply with any other guidance related to social distancing or the gatherings issued by the State of Illinois or its agencies or the McLean County Health Department that do not conflict with this ordinance.
• There may not be more than one party or gathering present in any common area or parking lot related to a Dwelling Unit or Multifamily Structure.

The emergency order is effective immediately on August 28, 2020, at 5 p.m. until August 30, 2020 at 5 p.m. The Mayor may extend the order for up to two additional 48-hour periods. Those violating the ordinance requirements can be subject to fines up to $750.

Emergency Order No. 20-012 requires customers of on-premise liquor establishments to be seated to be served, to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth while standing and to observe social distancing measures.

Per the State of Illinois guidelines for restaurants and bars released Aug. 25, face coverings are required to interact with staff. Liquor licensees are responsible for enforcing these standards and for posting requirements regarding seating and face coverings at all entrances.

The order goes into effect on August 31, 2020, at 5 p.m and will remain in effect until Sept. 2, 2020, at 5 p.m. Those who refuse to comply with the order can be subject to fines up to $750 per violation.

Any member of the Normal Police, Fire, or Inspections Department, any member of the ISU Police Department, or any agent of the McLean County Health Department can enforce these emergency order