Governor JB Pritzker has extended the stay at home order until May 31st, which includes the following modifications:
- OUTDOOR RECREATION:
- State parks will begin a phased re-opening. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the DNR website HERE.
- Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted.
- Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines ensuring that social distancing is followed.
- NEW ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES:
- Greenhouses, garden centers, and nurseries may re-open as essential businesses, and must follow social distancing requirements; employees and customers must wear a face covering.
- Animal grooming services may also re-open.
- NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL: Retail stores not designated as non-essential businesses and operations may re-open to fulfill telephone and online orders through pick-up outside the store and delivery.
- FACE COVERINGS: Beginning on May 1, all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance. Face-coverings will be required in public indoor spaces, such as stores. This new requirement applies to.
- ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND MANUFACTURING: Essential businesses and manufacturers will be required to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing, as well as follow new requirements that maximize social distancing and prioritize the well-being of employees and customers. This will include occupancy limits for essential businesses and precautions such as staggering shifts and operating only essential lines for manufacturers.
- SCHOOLS: Educational institutions may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings. Dormitory move-outs must follow public health guidelines, including social distancing.
- The Illinois Department of Public Health will also be issuing guidance to surgi-centers and hospitals to allow for certain elective surgeries for non-life-threatening conditions, starting on May 1. Facilities will need to meet specific criteria, including proper PPE, ensuring enough overall space for COVID-19 patients remains available, and testing of elective surgery patients to ensure COVID-19 negative status.
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