Gov. Pritzker issues a Stay-At-Home Order

Photo courtesy to Pritzker Facebook page 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- From tomorrow, Saturday, March 21 beginning at 5 p.m. until April 7 Illinois is advising and urging its residents to stay home.

Enforcement comes in many different forms, Governor J.B. Pritzker said he doesn’t know when things will get back to normal. Illinois does not have the resources or desire to enforce this order, Illinois is simply relying on its residents. You can get a misdemeanor for misconduct and there can be revocation of licenses of businesses.

However he has informed law enforcement to monitor stay-at-home protocols. Pritzker said, “There are many misconceptions about what this order means.”

You will still be able to go to grocery stores, banks, pharmacies and work if your place of employment is still open. However if you can work from home, this is the time to do so. For those who have already been taking steps to social distance your self Pritzker said, “Your life will not change much.”

Now is the time to save lives and take precautions. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, “We are asking a lot and I know this is causing a lot of anxiety.”

According to the mayor, many Chicagoans are already taking steps, but it is clear that the time has come to formally say, “Stay home.” There is no need to change your purchasing patterns, and be mindful of your neighbors.

“It is important to not lose our sense of community,” said Lightfoot.

Pritzker has been relying on experts to make the decisions up to this point.

Including University of Chicago Doctor Emily Landon said, “This virus is not forgiving. It tricks us into thinking it is nothing more but Influenza. We barely have enough masks for the nurses we have. This is a cautionary tale for our time. There is no vaccine and all we have to slow this virus is distance.”

“This isn’t going to be forever, but it will last longer than any of us want it to,” said Landon. “It is really hard to feel like you are saving the world if you are at home and watching Netflix.”

Twenty-five counties are currently afflicted, and another death was announced today. A woman in her 70s lost her life due to the Coronavirus. There are 585 cases statewide, 5 deaths and 3 cases in McLean County.

For more information visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov