Stay at Home Order Issued by Gov. Pritzker
Effective Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 PM through April 7, Governor Pritzker has ordered all Illinois residents to stay home except for essential errands to gas stations, pharmacies, and grocery stores. All local roads, including the interstate highways and tollways will remain open to traffic. All non-essential businesses must stop operating. Individuals may continue going to work if their workplace remains open, but must work remotely if possible. Residents are allowed to leave their homes to care for the elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons, and are encouraged to stay active by engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, running, or walking, as long as you maintain a social distance of six feet.
The order requires all individuals currently living in the State of Illinois to stay at home or their place of residence. Individuals may only leave their residence to perform essential activities. Under the order, “essential activities” are: for health and safety; for necessary supplies and services; for outdoor activity; for certain types of work; and, to take care of others.
The order provides that all non-essential business and operations must cease. “Essential Businesses and Operations” that may continue include: stores that sell groceries; food production and agriculture; organizations that provide charitable and social services; media; gas stations and businesses needed for transportation; financial institutions; hardware and supply stores; critical trades; mail, post, shipping, logistics and delivery services; educational institutions (for the purposes of facilitating distance learning); laundry services; restaurants for off-premises consumption; supplies to work from home; supplies for essential businesses and operations; transportation; home-based care and services; residential facilities and shelters; professional services; day care centers for employees exempted by this order; manufacturing, distribution and supply chain for critical products and industries; critical labor union functions; hotels and motels; and, funeral services.
Essential businesses and operations are mandated to take proactive measures in maintaining social distancing. These measures may include, where possible: designating six-foot distance; providing hand sanitizer and sanitizing products; separating operating hours for vulnerable populations; and, providing online and remote access for employees.
You can read the order here.
A related FAQ from the Governor’s office is available here.
You can read the Governor’s press release here..