According to Abbott's executive order announced on Tuesday, starting Wednesday, March 10, all businesses located in counties that do not have high COVID-19 hospitalization numbers will be allowed to open at 100% capacity and will not be bound by COVID-19 restrictions and measures.
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In the executive order, it states it's highly encouraged for people to wear a mask or face covering, but "no jurisdiction may impose a penalty of any kind for failure to wear a face covering."
However, there is an exception. The order states businesses and other establishments are allowed to require staff and customers to follow COVID-19 hygiene and safety measures, including wearing face coverings. Business owners or establishments may also reserve the right to call legal authorities and require trespassing laws or the removal of a person(s) who does not comply with the establishment's rules.
WATCH: Some businesses say masks will stay on in their stores
Some businesses say masks will stay on in their stores
Mike Shine, owner of Frank's Americana Revival, said he will be encouraging customers to wear a mask, but will not be enforcing it. Shine also said the restaurant will be keeping some of the COVID-19 safety measures in place and will require its employees to wear masks.
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"I certainly do not want to speak for the governor," Shine said. "I don't know his intent, but I think his message is probably more of he believes it's time for the public and business owners to make their own decision. From our perspective, I don't know if anything really changes."
Arnaldo Richards, owner of Picos Restaurant, said at his establishment masks will be a requirement. He also said social distancing measures will stay in place and they will operate at 75% capacity.
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"I do believe it should be a personal choice," Richards said. "For us here in my business, we make it a personal choice to make sure that people will wear masks while they are in my establishment. Why? Because I want to protect my employees and I want to protect the people who are still wearing the mask. So, it will be a mandate for us to wear a mask while you are not at the table."
Both Shine and Richards said some businesses might have a difficult time operating at 100%, depending on the size of the business and the type of traffic the establishment receives.
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