DES PLAINES, IL — Amid reports of upwards of 150 people gathering without masks at a series of religious activities at the Methodist Campground on East Algonquin Road, the City of Des Plaines is demanding the group follow state COVID-19 mandates. Members of The Last Reformation have been holding "Big Tent Revival" events all week with plans to continue through Sunday.

Following an emergency meeting Tuesday night, Mayor Matthew Bogusz signed a revised and updated emergency declaration that according to Alderman Andrew Goczkowski, puts "Des Plaines' face covering and social distancing requirements a step ahead of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's executive order," which includes a broad exemption for the free exercise of religion. The new Des Plaines' declaration is intended to treat all public gatherings equally, according to Goczkowski, whether they are religious in nature or not.

"Failure to do so will result in a citation and fine," Goczkowski said. "Failure to comply after a citation may result in further action." According to the city, the fine is $750 for each violation, and it would mount each day.

Torben Sondergaard, organizer of the "Big Tent Revival" events, took to social media Wednesday requesting assistance from President Donald Trump. He stated his group will continue congregating and that an "order is not a law."

--cont--