4/24/20 - A Message from Secretary Hou: Press Conference Recap

Friday, April 24, 2020


Good afternoon:


Please see the Governor's updates from his COVID-19 press conference yesterday.


COVID-19 Updates from the Governor's 04-23-2020 Press Conference

  • Stay at Home Extended: Based on data from scientists and health experts and after consulting with stakeholders across the state, Governor JB Pritzker announced that he will sign a modified version of the State's stay at home order that will go into effect from May 1st to May 30th to continue the life-saving progress made over the last month.
  • Outdoor Recreation: State Parks will begin a phased re-opening, fishing and boating in groups of no more than two will be allowed, and golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines and when ensuring that social distancing is followed.
  • New Essential Businesses: Greenhouses, garden centers, and nurseries may re-open as essential businesses. These stores must follow social distancing requirements and must require that employees and customers wear a face covering. Animal grooming services may also re-open.
  • Non-Essential Retail: Retail stores designated as non-essential businesses and operations may re-open to fulfill telephone and online orders through pick-up outside the store and delivery.
  • Face Coverings: Beginning on May 1st, individuals will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can't maintain a six-foot social distance. Face-coverings will be required in public indoor spaces, such as stores. This new requirement applies to all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask.
  • Essential Businesses and Manufacturing: Essential businesses and manufacturers will be required to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing, as well as follow new requirements that maximize social distancing and prioritize the well-being of employees and customers. This will include occupancy limits for essential businesses and precautions such as staggering shifts and operating only essential lines for manufacturers.
  • Schools: Educational institutions may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings. Dormitory move-outs must follow public health guidelines, including social distancing.
  • Cumulative Totals: To date, IDPH is reporting a total of 36,934 cases, including 1,688 deaths, in 96 counties in Illinois.
  • Daily Statewide COVID-19 cases: 1,826 new cases reported and 123 additional deaths.


Thank you,

Grace


Grace B. Hou

Secretary, IDHS