Governor Pritzker modifies and extends stay-at-home order through May 30

Modified order goes into effect May 1

by Melanie Jongsma

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (April 23, 2020) – In Thursday’s 2:30pm press briefing, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shared some graphs and data that show coronavirus cases will not likely reach their peak in Illinois until mid-May. For that reason, he is extending—though modifying—the stay-at-home order in Illinois.

Modifications include the following:

• Hospitals will be able to begin scheduling surgeries that had been delayed. The Illinois Department of Public Health will issue specifications that must be followed.
• Retail stores that were closed as non-essential may now re-open to take orders online and offer pick-up and delivery.
• Greenhouses and garden centers may remain open, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
• Some state parks will re-open; this will be a phased re-opening under the guidance of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
• Public health measures will be strengthened. Beginning May 1, wearing a mask will be required for anyone over the age of two who is medically able to tolerate a face mask. The requirement applies to any public places where it is not possible to maintain six feet of separation. “Face coverings work,” said Governor Pritzker, “and we need all Illinoisans to do their part.”
• For essential businesses, including manufacturers, new requirements on social distancing and new caps on occupancy will be implemented.

“These are not choices that were made arbitrarily,” said Pritzker. “These changes are what the data says that we can offer the people of Illinois without risking so much viral transmission that our hospitals will become overrun.”

“Illinois has the best people in the world,” said Pritzker. “I’m asking you to hold on for just a little while longer.”