Pritzker extends Illinois stay-at-home order through April 30

The order was originally scheduled to lift on April 7, but cases of coronavirus in the state continue to rise. Schools will remain closed.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced in his daily press conference on March 31 that the state’s stay-at-home order will be extended through the end of April to stop the spread of COVID-19. The order had been set to expire on April 7.

The executive order he will sign on April 1 will extend the state’s disaster proclamation and ban on classroom learning through April 30. Pritzker has committed to periodically evaluating the date as time goes on to see if it should be extended or lifted early.

Social distancing guidelines will be extended nationally through April 30 as well, the White House announced on March 30.

A study by the University of Washington estimates Illinois’ number of coronavirus cases will peak around April 18 with about 88 deaths on that day. Total deaths were projected at 2,326 through Aug. 4 by the study. The state’s number of cases is not projected to level off until early May.

On March 31, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 937 additional cases of COVID-19 and 26 additional deaths from the pandemic. Illinois has seen 5,994 cases and 99 deaths so far.

During the stay-at-home order, which began on March 21, Illinoisans are directed to stay home as much as possible. Walks, driving on both local roads and interstate highways, as well as going to grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies are still permitted, but only for essential travel. All non-essential businesses have been ordered to close.

The order encourages Illinoisans to follow social distancing guidelines and remain away from other people as much as possible. Residents should not gather with others outside of their homes, even during permitted activities such as running.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, shortness of breath and coughing. The strength of the symptoms will vary from person to person. If an individual exhibits symptoms, it is imperative they immediately minimize contact with other people.

IDPH also maintains a hotline at 800-889-3931 for residents to call with questions or if they are feeling symptoms. Local health departments can direct people who are potentially sick on what to do next. It is imperative people who may have COVID-19 do not show up to hospitals or doctors’ offices without giving them prior notification in order to limit the number of people who may become exposed to the virus.