Gov. Pritzker Announces Statewide Stay At Home Order to Maximize COVID-19 Containment, Ensure Health Care System Remains Fully Operational 

Order Begins 5 p.m. Saturday

 Governor Orders Local Governments to Halt Evictions, Bans Gatherings of More Than 10 People  

Chicago — Following the advice of leading public health experts around the globe, Governor JB Pritzker announced today has signed a statewide stay at home order, aiming to keep new cases of COVID-19 from rapidly increasing and ensure the state’s health care system remains fully operational to treat patients in need of urgent care. 

The order takes effect 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020. In addition to the stay at home provisions, it also orders all local government units across the state to halt all evictions and bans gatherings of more than 10 people.

“We are doing all that we can to maintain as much normalcy as possible while taking the steps we must to protect our residents,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I fully recognize that in some cases I am choosing between saving people’s lives and saving their livelihoods.  But ultimately, you can’t have a livelihood without a life. This will not last forever, but it's what we must do to support the people on the front lines of this fight, and the people most vulnerable to its consequences.”

“This action underscores the seriousness of the situation and reinforces what many people all across Illinois are already doing to protect themselves, their neighbors and the community at large,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Please, take this seriously, stay inside, limit your travel and be responsible for not just your own health, but everyone else’s, too.”

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 Read more here. 

• News:The latest announcements from the Governor’s Office and state agencies on the evolving response to COVID-19.
• Prevention:Tips to keep safe and healthy practices at home, in the office, in long term care facilities, in homeless shelters, around local neighborhoods and during day-to-day activities.
• Preparation:How to take effective actions to plan for a situation where you may get sick, such as implementing family action plans, and what to do if you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
• FAQs:Answers to general questions on COVID-19 and more specific questions related to education and unemployment.
• Resources:Guidance from experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and crucial information for both families and medical providers.
• About Coronavirus:What is coronavirus? Instructions on what individuals can do to protect themselves and help prevent community spread.

What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), coronaviruses commonly cause mild to moderate illness in people worldwide. While that sounds normal, COVID-19 has proven to spread widely and have high potential to cause serious, life-threatening illness to the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. Coronavirus symptoms may include fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are no specific treatments for coronavirus, but to relieve symptoms, patients are instructed to take pain and fever medications, drink plenty of liquids, and stay home and rest.

How does coronavirus spread?

According to the CDC, coronavirus mainly spreads from person to person. Act the same way you would act if you had the flu— if you think you may be sick, keep your distance from other people and always cover your coughs and sneezes.

Do I need to wear a mask? 

It is not recommended to wear a face mask if you are well. Face masks should be reserved for those showing symptoms of COVID-19 and for health care workers.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19? 

At this time, there is no available vaccine for COVID-19. The best way to prevent getting infected is to not be exposed.

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