Proper social distancing must be followed for all recreational activities.
On April 23, 2020, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that he is extending the state’s stay-at-home order with modifications. This new order will go into effect on May 1, 2020, and continue through May 30, 2020. This order will include the following modifications:
Outdoor Recreation
Under the guidance of the Department of Natural Resources, some state parks will begin a phased reopening for activities such as hiking, fishing and boating with no more than two people. A list of parks that will open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
Golf Courses
Golf courses will also reopen under strict guidelines. Proper social distancing must be followed for all recreational activities.
New Essential Businesses
Greenhouses, gardens, nurseries and animal grooming services may reopen. They must follow social-distancing requirements and require that employees and customers wear a face covering.
Nonessential Retail
Retailers not considered essential businesses under the previous stay-at-home orders can fulfill online and telephone orders through curbside pickup and delivery.
Face Coverings
All individuals over the age of 2 who can medically tolerate a face covering or mask must begin wearing a face covering or mask in any public space where the individual cannot maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
Essential Businesses and Manufacturing
There will be new social distancing requirements and occupancy limits for all essential businesses, including manufacturers. Essential businesses will be required to provide face coverings to all employees who cannot maintain 6 feet of social distancing. Manufacturers will be required to take precautions such as staggering shifts and operating only essential lines.
Schools
Educational institutions can establish procedures for the pickup of necessary supplies and student belongings. Dormitory move-outs must follow public health guidelines, including social distancing.
Surgicenters and Hospitals
Surgicenters and hospitals can begin scheduling elective procedures and surgeries that were delayed under previous stay-at-home orders. These facilities must have proper PPE, must test elective surgery patients to ensure COVID-19 negative status and must have sufficient space for COVID-19 patients including sufficient hospital beds and ICU availability.
This new stay-at-home order was based on data from scientists and health experts that suggests Illinois may not reach the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak until May. Detailed information regarding this modeling is included in the press release.
About Duane Morris
Duane Morris has created a COVID-19 Strategy Team to help organizations plan for, respond to and address this fast-moving situation. Contact your Duane Morris attorney for more information. Prior Alerts on the topic are available on the team’s webpage.
For More Information
If you have any questions about this Alert, please contact Richard P. Darke, Nicole Mirjanich, any of the attorneys in our Chicago office, any member of the COVID-19 Strategy Team or the attorney at the firm with whom you are in regular contact.
Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.