Governor Pritzker’s Shelter in Place Order was announced Friday, March 20, 2020 at his press conference shortly after 3:00 pm. It was only later in the day on Friday that the full text was released. Here is an EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. The fundamental is that all individuals are to stay at home. The Order explains what a person can do outside of the home, such as going to the doctor, grocery store, drugstore, etc.

Then, the Order goes on to address exceptions, and this part can be a bit confusing. There is a provision addressing working on essential infrastructure, with lengthy commentary on construction type projects. Individuals engaged in these activities are not subject to the Order. The Order exempts essential governmental functions such as fire, police, etc. US Government operations, of course, are exempted. Then, the Order includes what they refer to as essential businesses and operations which are exempted. There are 23 businesses on this list. That list is as follows:

1. Stores that sell groceries or medicine
2. Food, beverage, and cannabis production and agriculture
3. Organizations that provide charitable and social services
4. Media
5. Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation
6. Financial institutions
7. Hardware and supply stores
8. Critical trades
9. Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services
10. Educational institutions
11. Laundry services
12. Restaurants for consumption off-premises
13. Supplies to work from home
14. Supplies for essential businesses and operations
15. Transportation
16. Home-based care and services
17. Residential facilities and shelters
18. Professional services
19. Day care centers for employees exempted by Executive Order
20. Manufacture, distribution and supply chain for critical products and industries
21. Critical labor union functions
22. Hotels and motels
23. Funeral services

Note that each of these categories is addressed in most cases with lengthy commentary and that factor in itself can be confusing.

Finally the Order addresses social distancing issues. There is commentary with an order ceasing evictions. As we indicated in an earlier blog, if you are having problems reading the Order or printing the link, please call us at (630) 377-1554 we will email the Order to you.