Illinois Governor Pritzker Extends Stay-at-Home Order Through The End of April
The good news is, we’re blessed. The not so good news? The shelter in place, stay-at-home order, that began earlier in March has been extended through April 30 in efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 here in the state of Illinois and alleviate the overwhelming demand on the healthcare system. Just today, the state’s department of health announced that we now have a record 937 new cases of the coronavirus and 26 additional deaths. So far, more than 35,000 people have been tested and of that number a total of 5,994 tested positive and 99 people have died. Governor Pritzker’s order will also keep schools closed through April 30 and Chicago’s Mayor Lori Lightfoot has already announced plans to get students e-learning devices.
At a news conference Tuesday at the Thompson Center, Governor Pritzker said, “Illinois has one of the strongest public health systems in the nation – but even so, we aren’t immune to this virus’ ability to push our existing capacity beyond its limit. We need to maintain our course and keep working to flatten the curve” Also noting the reality that many were looking forward to special events during this time, he empathized noting “I won’t try to tell you that a zoom prom is the same as a real promI won’t try and tell you not to be sad about the last goals and plans that you may have had for March and April. It’s okay to be sad” Pritzker said.
Pritzker’s stay-at-home order mandates residents to mostly stay in their homes, maintain social distance of at least six feet from others while in public and limit their travel to visit the sick or meet essential needs. Only businesses deemed “essential” will stay open, including grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies. Mayor Lightfoot added that the City of Chicago will also extend its closure of the lakefront and adjacent parks, including the 606 Trail and Downtown Riverwalk through the end of April as well.
The latest deaths in Illinois include 17 people in Cook County, 2 in DuPage County, 2 in Will County, and one death in Kane, Lake, McLean, Morgan and St.Clair counties. Ford and Ogle counties reported their first cases.
The state of Illinois has received over 5,000,000 units of donated personal protective equipment & other supplies from hundreds of corporations, small businesses, organizations & individuals.
On behalf of the entire state, I am eternally grateful for this outpouring of support.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 31, 2020
Here’s what we know:
As of March 30, our preliminary reports from hospitals statewide show just 41% of our adult ICU beds are “empty” – staffed and ready for immediate patient use, 2% less than last week.
68% of our ventilators are available statewide – 4% less in a week. pic.twitter.com/vyi2eCtL45
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 31, 2020
Saving as many lives as possible is the one goal I will put above all others—every time.
As science guides our decisions, tomorrow I’ll sign an executive order to extend our disaster proclamation, stay home order & suspension of on-site learning at schools thru the end of April. pic.twitter.com/VnClzUbDd1
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 31, 2020
Source: WGN; ABC7Chicago; NBC Chicago.
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