Piatt County State's Attorney Dana Rhoades Friday offered guidance to churches in her County on best practices to reopen.

Rhoades in a written statement said quote - "I am notifying Piatt County citizens that it is not my intention as the Piatt County State’s Attorney to file criminal charges against such businesses or churches that reopen within Piatt County when sufficient social distancing protocols are in place."

Protocols include face coverings, disinfecting, and other recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health, however, because of the risk involved, she is encouraging any church or business reopening to seek legal counsel. 

Other risks churches and businesses should consider include COVID-19 liability claims being denied by insurance if in violation of the Governor's Executive Orders or CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines, and workers comp injuries could be denied.

Additionally, PPP equipment needs to be supplied to staff, failure to do so could result in litigation. 

Rhoades says churches and businesses need to implement social distancing guidelines outlined by the IDPH including requiring face coverings and asking for separation of individuals by six feet.

Failure to implement these requirements could result in, among other consequences, liability and licensure revocation.

The release says quote - "Vigilance by all citizens is necessary to ensure that our County citizens are not put at great risk.  For this same reason, the Piatt County State’s Attorney’s Office will exercise its discretion to enforce reckless conduct violations and seek cease and desist orders when appropriate."

She directs churches and businesses with further questions on safety protocol implementation to contact the DeWitt/Piatt Bi-County Health Department.