Gov. Pritzker to extend Stay at Home Order

Gov. Pritzker has announced to sign a 30-day extension of the state’s disaster proclamation. After consultation with experts in Illinois and across the nation, the Governor will sign the disaster proclamation on April 1. The decision is taken to flatten the curve of the new COVID-19 cases in the state.

The Governor has the authority, through the disaster proclamation, to sign additional executive orders. He can also extend Stay at Home order and suspending on-site learning in K-12 schools through the month of April. Pritzker said, “I have let the science guide our decisions and I’ve relied upon the top medical experts, scientists, public health researchers, epidemiologists, mathematicians, and modelers, from the greatest institutions in the world whose guidance on infection rates and potential mortalities and protective measures is second to none.”

He added: “Illinois has one of the strongest public health systems in the nation – but even so, we aren’t immune to this virus’ ability to push our existing capacity beyond its limit. We need to maintain our course and keep working to flatten the curve.” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said that this is the right step to curve the COVID-19 cases.

She said, “The City of Chicago fully supports Governor Pritzker’s bold and necessary extension of the Stay at Home Order, and stands ready to partner with the State and our health officials as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead in safeguarding our residents. We will get through this crisis together and I want to thank all those who have been doing their part.”

On March 20, after consulting with medical experts, scientists, public health researchers, epidemiologists, mathematicians and modelers, Governor announced a Stay at Home order. The Stay at Home extension will continue to allow the Illinoisans to carry out their essential activities while maintaining the social distance from one another.