Hernandez Highlights Tier 3 Mitigation Plan, Encourages Families to Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely

AURORA, Ill. – As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Illinois, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is highlighting the Tier 3 mitigation plan recently released by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that took effect on Friday, Nov 20.

“Our hospitals are under heavy stress due to the COVID-19 crisis, and if we keep our current course, they may soon be overwhelmed,” said Hernandez. “Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers risk their lives for us each day, so we must do our part to stop the spread of this deadly virus by following the guidelines laid out in the governor’s COVID-19 mitigation plan.”

Under the new guidelines from the governor’s office, office employees are encouraged to work remotely. Additionally, restaurants will be unable to offer indoor service, but will still be able to offer carryout, delivery and outdoor service. Retail, including grocery stores, are asked to operate at a reduced capacity to limit the number of people in a store at one time. Schools will continue to make decisions on in-person classes or remote learning on the local level. Museums, casinos, theatres and banquet halls are among the places that will be temporarily closed under these new guidelines. With Thanksgiving approaching, the governor and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) suggests that families keep gatherings small or virtual, and follow social distancing and mask wearing guidelines. Hernandez encourages families to review the full list of Tier 3 mitigations by visiting coronavirus.illinois.gov.

“While this holiday season will look different for all of us, we must prioritize celebrating safely,” said Hernandez. “The best way to protect our friends, family and neighbors is to follow IDPH guidelines over the coming weeks and continue doing our part to slow the spread of this virus and save lives.”

For more information, please contact Hernandez’s constituent services office at 630-270-1848 or by email at RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.