Yesterday, Governor Pritzker signed an Executive Order modifying and extending his original Stay at Home Order. This Order is effective May 1, 2020 and is in effect for the month of May. The Executive Order is available at this Link.

Below is a summary of the modifications that this order creates:

  • Individuals over the age of two, are required to wear face coverings, when medically tolerable, while in public places if they are unable to maintain a social distance of six feet. Face coverings will be required in indoor public places such as stores and takeout restaurants. Employees will only be required to wear masks in indoor public places if they cannot maintain a six foot social distance at all times.
  • Essential retail and grocery stores shall reduce their occupancy to 50% or choose an alternative option of reducing store capacity to the number set by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) based on store square footage, which has not been published yet.
  • Retail and grocery stores must set up store aisles to be one-way, communicate these requirements to customers through signage, announcements, and discontinue use of reusable bags.
  • Businesses must provide their employees face coverings and require their employees to wear face coverings when they cannot maintain a six foot social distance at all times.
  • Non-essential retail stores may reopen to take orders online or over the phone for curbside pickup or delivery. Employees must maintain a social distance of six feet or wear a face covering.
  • Pet grooming services will be allowed to reopen.
  • All businesses that have employees physically reporting to work must post the Illinois Department of Public Health’s guidance regarding workplace safety with COVID-19. The posting will be available at this Link.
  • Some state parks will be reopening. The state parks reopening have been determined by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and you can find the open parks at this Link.
  • Fishing and boating in groups of two or less people will be permitted.
  • Golf courses will be allowed to reopen pursuant to the guidelines available at this Link.
  • Schools may allow students to pick up their belongings from their lockers in a manner that is consistent with public health guidelines.

AGHL Law is here to help guide your business through this difficult and unprecedented time. If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance in implementing new policies or reviewing the legal impact on your business due to COVID-19, please contact us at 815-265-6464 or email Attorney Gino Galluzzo at ggalluzzo@aghllaw.com