Macon Reporter

While the Macon County Board limited the Macon County Health Department's authority on Jan. 14, this doesn't change the city's rules, Decatur officials said on Jan. 15.

Despite the limited authority of the department, municipalities, including Decatur, can establish and enforce regulations regarding the opening and closing of businesses and restaurants, Decatur officials said in a release.

"The city of Decatur's requirements that holders of liquor, place-of-amusement and other licenses must conform to DCEO and IDPH guidelines for safety, closure and COVID virus protection remain in force," Decatur officials said. "The city of Decatur will continue to enforce its ordinances until the City Council otherwise directs. Recent actions of the Macon County Board may alter the authority of the county health department to conduct enforcement or suspend food service permits, but they do not authorize [the] opening of businesses in violation of State guidelines, and they do not protect bars and restaurants from liability for violation of State of Illinois' COVID rules and guidelines."

Even if a county, city or village chooses not to enforce state rules, they are still rules, according to the press release.

"The laws and rules of the state supersede those issued by [the] local government where they are in conflict with this matter," Decatur officials said. The city council was slated to "discuss whether to amend and relax its rules for liquor, place-of-amusement, and other license holders" at its meeting on Jan. 19.

Region 6 is in Tier 3 as on Jan. 15. But Gov. J.B. Pritzker did say most regions in the state are on the right track to move into the next tier. In order to do this, regions need to maintain the current infection and hospitalization rates.