March 20, 2020 – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered all state residents to remain in their homes except for essentials until April 30th. The order still allows the state’s 12.6 million residents to head outside to buy groceries and medicine.

So what are “Essential Services”?

– Healthcare and Public Health Operations i.e. hospitals; clinics; dental offices; pharmacies; public health entities; licensed medical cannabis dispensaries and licensed cannabis cultivation centers; reproductive health care providers; eye care centers; home healthcare services providers; mental health and substance use providers; and entities that transport and dispose of medical materials and remains.

– Essential Infrastructure i.e. food production, distribution, and sale; construction; building management and maintenance; airport operations; utilities; distribution centers; oil and biofuel refining; roads, highways, railroads, and public transportation; ports; cybersecurity operations; flood control; solid waste and recycling collection and removal; internet, video, and telecommunications systems.

– Essential Governmental Functions

– Stores that sell groceries.

– Food, beverage, and cannabis production and agriculture. Includes businesses that provide food, shelter, and other necessities for animals as well.

– Organizations that provide charitable and social services.

– Media outlets.

– Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation.

– Financial Services – Banks, currency exchanges, consumer lenders, etc.

– Hardware and supply stores.

– Critical trades i.e. plumbers, electricians, exterminators, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.

– Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services.

– Educational institutions – These are subject to restrictions in prior Executive Orders such as e-learning and K-12 school closures through April 30th, 2020.

– Laundry services.

– Restaurants for consumption off-premises i.e. in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through, curbside pick-up

– Business that provide supplies to work from home.

– Business that provide supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations.

– Transportation i.e. airlines, taxis, transportation network providers (such as Uber and Lyft), vehicle rental services, and other private, public, and commercial transportation and logistics providers)

– Business for home-based care and services for adults, seniors, children, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and/or mental illness.

– Residential facilities and shelters.

– Professional service (i.e attorneys, accountants, real estate, insurance).

– Daycare centers for employees exempted by this Order – please call your childcare facility first.

– Businesses that manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries – item such as pharmaceuticals, technology, healthcare, waste pickup and disposal, agriculture, food and beverage, transportation, construction, national defense and communications.

– Critical labor union functions.

– Hotels and motels.

– Funeral services.

To be clear, even if you work in one of these sectors, your employer should allow you to work from home or take steps to implement social distancing, but they may still require you to come into work when you and your family are healthy.

What’s closed?

The following must be closed:

– dine-in restaurants,

– bars and restaurants,

– entertainment venues (movie theaters, live theaters, stadiums, etc.),

– gyms and fitness studios,

– public events and gatherings, and

– convention centers.

FAQ’s

Can my employer require me to work from home?

Yes.

Can I still go out to get the things I need?

Yes, you are still allowed to go out to get food, pet supplies, medication, medical help, fuel, and attend to vital financial services at banks and credit unions.

However, you must practice social distancing, and you should only go out when you are experiencing true need. Get as much as you can when you do go out to avoid unnecessary trips, and get as much delivered as possible.

Can I go out to get supplies or care for friends and family members who are ill, elderly, or immunocompromised?

Yes, but follow the same social distancing protocols you would when getting supplies for yourself. Absolutely do not visit them if you are someone in your household is ill.

Can I still use public transportation, taxis and rideshares?

Yes, but only for essential travel. Be aware that some services may have reduced hours or availability, and plan accordingly.

Can I visit friends and family members in nursing homes and hospitals?

Generally, no. However, there may be exceptions for end-of-life situations. Contact the medical facility in question to determine if a visit is allowed and advisable.

Can I return home if I’m in another location?

Yes.

Are packages still being delivered?

Yes.

Can I still get standard, non-emergency medical care, like physicals, dental cleanings, and optometry exams?

While medical professionals are still allowed to offer these services, many are choosing not to. It is highly recommended that you only visit medical providers for health emergencies.

Am I allowed to leave the house to take walks and get exercise?

Yes, exercising outside is allowed. However, you must practice social distancing.

Can I go to the vet if my pet is sick?

Yes, but call first. Your vet may have limited hours or special protocols to ensure social distancing.

Can plumbers, electricians, and HVAC repair-people to continue to work?

Yes. Hardware stores are also allowed to remain open to provide essential supplies.