COVID-19 Update: Stay At Home Order Extended Until May 30. Modifications Announced Including Facial Covering Requirements
Governor Pritzker made the announcement that he’s been hinting at for several days that he intends to extend the Stay At Home Order when it expires next week. After sharing information on how the models have been used as a part of the decision making process and giving the professors from the modeling group an opportunity to discuss how their process works, he announced that the order would be extended to May 30th with some modifications.

Before getting into the details of the modified order, he shared a few important points about the data the state has been using to evaluate the success of the order thus far. Based on the case and hospitalization rates, the belief now is that the expected peak or plateau of cases/hospitalizations/deaths to be in early May, but cautioned against perceiving the peak as an end goal. In fact, the use of the word plateau is significant given that what we’ve seen in other jurisdictions is that the leveling off period can be significant. He also made a point of reminding us that the plan released by the federal government talked about each phase of reopening being triggered by 14 days of steady decreases in all of the significant markers. He made clear that any broad reopening at this time would result in the deaths per day counts to be in the thousands by the end of May and emphasized that no amount of political pressure would lead him to make that decision.
The highlights of the modifications to the order, effective 5/1/2020 are:
  • Surgicenters and hospitals can begin to schedule delayed surgeries under specifications expected to be released by the Illinois Department of Public Health in the coming days that balance these needs with the need to preserve surge capacity at hospitals for COVID-19 patients.
  • Retail stores that are non-essential can begin to take online and phone orders for pickup and delivery.
  • Garden centers, nurseries and dog grooming facilities are now deemed essential businesses, provided all comply with social distancing requirements and face covering.
  • Reopening certain state parks on limited basis. One example is that while boating is allowed, there’s a limit of 2 people per boat.
  • Anyone over 2 years old and medically able must wear a mask or facial covering when outside and social distancing is not possible. In any public indoor space, facial covering is required, regardless of social distancing.
  • All essential businesses and manufacturers must adapt their practices to allow for social distancing in the workplace, provide facial coverings for employees and are encouraged to adopt policies such as staggered shifts to allow for these precautions.
  • Schools may adopt policies to allow for pick up of student belongings, dorm move out, etc, provided they adhere to social distancing and face covering guidelines.

The Governor was emphatic that if we begin to see widespread disregard for social distancing requirements, he will not hesitate to go back to more stringent orders. Read his full announcement here .
COVID-19 Count as of today :

1,826 new cases, 123 deaths today

If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health :
Hotline : 800-889-3931
Email : dph.sick@illinois.gov

City of Chicago's Department of Public Health :
Hotline : 312-746-4835
Email : coronavirus@chicago.gov
Statements on Child Immigration Facilities: Heartland Health Care Human Services COVID-19
Today Alderwoman Maria Hadden and I released a joint statement on migrant children being cared for at Heartland Alliance facilities across the city. Recent news reports showed that just as in many other congregate care facilities, residents and staff in some Heartland facilities have seen significant infection rates. Like many congregate living facilities we understand the challenges these facilities face but are asking individuals to help us advocate for their release as soon as possible. Read the full statement here .
Joint Virtual Town Hall with Senator Heather Steans: Thursday, April 30 at 7pm
Next Thursday, April 30 at 7PM join Senator Heather Steans and me for a virtual town hall as we share updates on the Stay At Home order, discuss the state's budget, share resources to help individuals and provide guidance on navigating unemployment, SNAP and medicaid benefits. To submit questions prior to the town hall complete this form with your question and we will discuss answers during our Q&A portion of the program. This town hall will be shared on facebook live as well as Blueroom live stream (no log in is required to view it using their platform). Links will be provided for individuals to tune in on Thursday.
Secretary of State: Online Services
The office of the Secretary of State is encouraging individuals to take advantage of their online services. They have also authorized remote online notarization and have extended expiration dates for 90 days after facilities reopen for Drivers Licenses, State IDs and vehicle registration.
City of Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund: Application Deadline Tomorrow April 24
A reminder: those interested in applying for the Small Business Resiliency fund should submit their applications before tomorrow Friday, April 24 at 5pm. Applications close tomorrow. Those that have already submitted applications should have received an electronic letter stating that their application was submitted. Visit the application site for details .
Rogers Park Business Alliance: Named small business resource navigator
The Mayor’s Office and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has designated Rogers Park Business Alliance and 9 other community organizations across the city as small business resource navigators. This means that they are able to provide individualized support to those seeking support and resources during this pandemic.

You can contact them by calling 773-508-5885 or emailing  helpdesk@rpba.org  to schedule a video or phone call appointment. You can also opt in to receive text message alerts from them which will include updates and deadlines on grants/loans as well as City of Chicago updates. To subscribe to RPBA SmartText, text RPBA to 313131. Visit their website for more information including business updates and a page dedicated to resources .
Chicago Racial Equity Response Team: Town Halls in Disproportionately Impacted Areas
Mayor Lightfoot and the Racial Equity Response Team have announced their latest efforts to host town halls and target outreach to areas in the city that have been most impacted. Their efforts include providing personal protective equipment (ppe), partnerships with local organizations for outreach and education in impacted communities and host town halls in identified areas to educate the public on health options and the importance of taking precautionary steps. Read the full release here .
Testing Sites: Swedish Covenant Now Offering Tests
This week, the Governor announced that as the state acquires more testing materials and grows our testing capacity, it will get easier to access testing. New state guidelines make clear that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can access testing without a doctor’s order. Those who are not insured or under-insured will not be turned away for testing. Swedish Covenant is now offering testing as well as drive thru options. For a full list of sites testing around the State and in our neighborhood visit the Illinois Department of Public Health's website here . This list is not exhaustive and you can find more local healthcare providers on our website by visiting our constituent services guide .
Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District

Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

5533 N Broadway

Chicago IL 60640
773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)