NEW PROTOCOL AT THE ILLINOIS INTERNATIONAL PORT DISTRICT: FACE MASKS REQUIRED
The Illinois International Port District prides itself on being "the Greatest Multimodal Facility in North America" because we work, work and work harder to meet the needs of our clients, customers and the public. However, at the Illinois International Port District we will never sacrifice ONE person's health or safety. We stand committed to this and to this end we are implementing a new protocol at the Port.
All,
You all know that during this unprecedented time here in Illinois, the United States and globally there are ever changing guidelines for best practices dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois International Port District (IIPD) has been deemed essential through Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order and we have kept working. However, as more information has come out, it is clear that we need to take all possible steps to ensure that the spread of this disease is not disseminated to, through or from the IIPD so that we can maintain operations.
We have previously published guidelines on cleaning, sanitizing and social distancing at the IIPD and they can be viewed on our website at www.iipd.com. We are now setting additional protocol measures at the IIPD. As of 12:00 am, April 13, 2020 ALL people who enter any Illinois International Port District (IIPD) are required to have and wear a face mask. This protocol is for employees, vendors, truck drivers, rail operators, barge and ship operators and anyone who has business at the IIPD as well, no exceptions. Anybody without a face mask will be stopped by security and denied entry to the IIPD. This new protocol is to ensure everybody’s health.
I have checked with the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and this new protocol is short of the temperature checks and other more stringent requirements that are occurring at other ports. We will continue to monitor and follow the AAPA’s guidelines and will amend our protocols as directed.
The IIPD is aware that there are many different types of face masks that can be utilized, the only mandate is that the mask cover the mouth and nose while being worn. The Center for Disease Control has put out guidelines for face masks and they can be found through this link (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html).
Over the past couple of days I have had IIPD facility personnel check with the majority of our clients and tenants to ensure that this would not cause an undue burden. I recognize that this is a burden, but one that we must all bear.
Please notify your employees, vendors and anyone that you are doing business with that requires entry to the IIPD so that they are in compliance with this new protocol. Again, as of 12:00 am, April 13, 2020 ALL people who enter any Illinois International Port District (IIPD) are required to have and wear a face mask and anyone not in compliance will be denied entry.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, comments or concerns.
Thank you and be healthy.
Clayton K. Harris III, IMPE
Executive Director
Illinois International Port District
The Greatest Multimodal Facility in North America
3600 E. 95th Street
Chicago, IL 60617-5193
773-646-4400
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