Hernandez Gives Updates on Extended Stay at Home Order, Urges Residents to Comply

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is providing updates regarding Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recent announcement of an extended stay at home order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Staying home and social distancing has been saving lives, and will continue to do so, but data also suggests that our state will see a second wave of the virus if proper social distancing requirements are not maintained, potentially causing thousands of deaths,” said Hernandez. “The most recent announcement of an extended stay at home order is the necessary decision made by Governor Pritzker, based on data from scientists and health experts. The new order will reaffirm social distancing requirements, with some modifications to give residents some added flexibility in their lives and stimulate our economy.”

Illinois’ modified stay at home order will go into effect on May 1 and will remain in effect through the end of the month, strengthening social distancing measures with modifications. Hernandez is highlighting key components of the new stay at home order:
• State parks will begin re-opening for residents to use while maintaining social distancing, and fishing and boating will be permitted for no more than 2 people.
• Greenhouses, garden centers and animal grooming centers will be able to re-open and operate following all guidelines for essential businesses. Non-essential retail stores may re-open to manage telephone and online orders with curbside pickup and delivery services.
• All individuals above the age of 2 will be required to wear a face covering in public spaces where proper social distancing measures cannot be maintained. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for face coverings and ways to make your own at home at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.
• All essential businesses and manufacturers will be required to provide face coverings for employees who are not able to maintain proper social distancing at work, and will be required to follow occupancy limits and other added precautionary requirements.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health will provide guidance to health care facilities to allow certain surgeries for non-life threatening conditions.

“I know that this is not easy, but the fight against this deadly virus is not over,” said Hernandez. “I urge every resident to comply with the mandatory stay at home order and continue to protect our loved ones, neighbors and front line workers.”