Village of Chicago Ridge issued the following announcement on April 24.
I am not sure if residents saw the changes to Governor Pritzker’s Stay at Home Order but here are the most important things to be aware of:
Governor Pritzker announced that he will modify the existing Stay at Home Order to continue through May 30, 2020. In addition, face coverings shall be required to be worn by all individuals when in public places and when not able to maintain adequate social distancing, except for children under age 2 and when with members of the same household. Face coverings will be required in public indoor spaces.
The Governor’s Office created an email address, Gov.COVID19stakeholder@illinois.gov, where citizens may send questions, comments and recommendations. The Governor’s staff compiles all inquiries and responds with answers.
The Governor’s new executive order will include the following modifications, effective May 1:
• OUTDOOR RECREATION: State parks will begin a phased re-opening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) 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 not 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 1, 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.
The Illinois Department of Public Health will also be issuing guidance to surgi-centers and hospitals to allow for certain elective surgeries for non-life-threatening conditions, starting on May 1. Facilities will need to meet specific criteria, including proper PPE, ensuring enough overall space for COVID-19 patients remains available, and testing of elective surgery patients to ensure COVID-19 negative status.
During this time of caution as our country responds to the threat of COVID-19, the Village of Chicago Ridge is here to help you get through this. I encourage you to stay vigilant, but remain calm. Our Village departments are working together to address concerns and do our part to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. We ask that you react to the facts and NOT to various rumors that tend to circulate during these times of uncertainty.
The Police Department will remain fully operational. The Village Hall is currently CLOSED to the general public, but still open for Village business. Call 708-425-7700 or visit www.chicagoridge.org. Please leave payments in the drop box in front or pay online at www.chicago.org.
Finally, I would like to encourage everyone to continue to patronize our local restaurants at this time. Most of our restaurants are offering delivery or curbside pickup. We can also support them by purchasing gift cards for their establishments.
We are all in this together. Stay home and save lives. Stay healthy and be well.
Mayor Tokar
Original source can be found here.
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