GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF STAY-AT-HOME ORDER
Governor Pritzker has announced an extension and modification to the Illinois Stay-At-Home Order today. The extension is through May 30th. The current order runs through April 30th and this modified Order will go into effect on May 1st. While the actual order has not been released yet and may not be until early next week. As soon as its released, Power & Cronin will provide a detailed analysis of the modifications with a focus on its impact on business operations. For now, we have the following general details on the upcoming modifications starting May 1st:
OUTDOOR RECREATION: State parks will begin a phased re-opening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and when ensuring that social distancing is followed.
NEW ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES: Greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries may re-open as essential businesses. These stores must follow social distancing requirements and must require that employees and customers 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, individuals 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 all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask.
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.
Power & Cronin greatly appreciates the opportunity to provide you with the very best legal representation. Please let us know if you need any further guidance with COVID-19 or any other matter to assist with your business. Should you have any further questions about the applicability of the PPP or any new legislation to your business, or for guidance on how to implement new policies based on the legislation, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (630) 571-2001.
Very truly yours,
Daniel J. Cronin
POWER & CRONIN, LTD.