Governor JB Pritzker has signed a new disaster proclamation that lasts through May 29. Also, the governor signed Executive Order 2020-32 that modified and extended his original Stay at Home Order. The order goes into effect May 1 and lasts through May 29. The following modifications have been made to Governor JB Pritzker's original Stay at Home Order (Executive Order 2020-10):
- Face coverings are required to be worn by all individuals, when medically tolerable, who are in public places and unable to maintain adequate social distancing of six feet, except for children under age two and when with members of the same household. Face coverings will be required in indoor public places such as stores.
- All essential businesses may remain open consistent with the original executive order. Essential retail stores shall reduce their occupancy capacity to 50% or to the capacity set by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) based on store square footage, provide face coverings to all employees who cannot maintain social distancing of six feet at all times, set up store aisles to be one-way, communicate these requirements to customers through signage and public service announcements and discontinue use of reusable bags.
- Non-essential retail stores may reopen to take orders online or over the phone for either curbside pickup (outside the store) or delivery. Employees must maintain social distancing of six feet or wear a face covering when that is not possible.
- All businesses that have employees physically reporting to a work-site must post IDPH's guidance regarding workplace safety during the COVID-19 emergency. The IDPH guidance is not yet available, but we will share it once it is released.
- Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two per watercraft will be permitted.
- Golf courses will be permitted to open only when following strict guidelines provided by DCEO (available via this link).
- Some state parks will be reopened. The list of state parks that will reopen is available via this link.
- Pet grooming services will be allowed to reopen.
- Educational institutions may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings and dormitory move-out. These procedures must be in a manner consistent with public health guidelines and social distancing requirements.
The order still requires all individuals currently living in the State of Illinois to avoid travel and stay at home or their place of residence. Individuals may only leave their residence to perform essential activities.
The order provides that all non-essential business and operations must cease except for minimum basic operations as defined by the order. “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.
The Governor's order still allows Essential Governmental Functions to operate, including municipal governments. Per the order, “Essential Governmental Functions" means all services provided by the state or any municipal, township, county, subdivision or agency of government and needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies or to provide for and support the health, safety and welfare of the public, and including contractors performing Essential Governmental Functions. Each governmental body shall determine its Essential Governmental Functions and identify employees and/or contractors necessary to the performance of those functions.
The Governor also signed Executive Order 2020-33, which extends previous executive orders through May 29. That includes Executive Order 2020-07, which suspended certain provisions of the Open Meetings Act (OMA).
The Illinois Gaming Board announced the extension of its suspension of all video gaming operations and all casino gambling operations until further notice. The Gaming Board's announcement is available via this link.
