Following in the steps of Governors Newsom (CA) and Cuomo (NY), Governor Pritzker issued a Stay-at-Home Order today after days of suggesting such an order would be necessary to “flatten the curve” of COVID–19 infections in the state. The Order prohibits anything but trips for food, medicine, medical appointments, to put gas in your cars or to exercise outdoors. Essential personnel are exempt from the Governor’s Order to get to and from work as necessary. The Stay-at-Home Order is currently set to run through April 7.

Practically speaking, this Order will make many, if not all, employees eligible for Paid Sick Leave benefits once HR6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, becomes effective on or before April 2, 2020. We expect further clarification in the next several days from the Department of Labor about when eligible employees will be able to use benefits granted under HR6201.

Beyond first responders and law enforcement officers, essential work exempt from today’s Order is broadly defined to include healthcare, pharmacies, grocery stores, transit (roads and bridges, public transit, and airports), trash, agriculture, press, veterinarians, plumbers, laundromats, banks, and restaurants providing take-out service. 

The Governor’s action comes as positive coronavirus tests in Illinois climbed to 585 and five confirmed deaths, up from 422 positive tests and four deaths as of yesterday afternoon. 4286 people have been tested for COVID–19 in Illinois so far.

We will continue to monitor and report on developments and provide analysis as to how they are likely to impact your operations.