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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will extend the state's mandatory stay-at-home order through May 30, with modifications that will revive some areas of the economy.
His order was originally set to expire on April 30, but Pritzer on Thursday said udpated models about the peak of novel coronavirus in Illinois influenced his decision to push it through May. He said keeping most residents at home will help "flatten the curve" of infections and send the trajectory of new cases downward. This will save lives and ensure that hospitals are not overwhelmed, he said.
"We need to keep going a little while longer to finish the job," Pritzker said.
The governor said he will modify the stay-at-home order, effective May 1, to allow some sectors of the economy to reopen. Medical centers will be able to move forward with some elective procedures and surgeries, he said, and state parks again will allow hiking and fishing and boating, provided social distancing is maintained.
Golf courses will be allowed to reopen, with restrictions, the governor's office said. Some retail stores may re-open to fulfill telephone and online orders through curbside pick-up or delivery. Pet-grooming businesses also will be allowed to reopen, beginning May 1.
Pritzker also said he will require anyone over 2 years old to wear a mask or face covering in public when it is not possible to keep a 6-foot distance between people. A common scenario for mask-wearing, the governor has said, is at the supermarket.
Illinois' stay-at-home order first took effect March 21 but later was extended through April 30. Only businesses deemed "essential," such as grocery stores and pharmacies, have been allowed to operate, many of them under new safeguards. Restaurants can only sell food on a carryout or delivery basis.
Much of the service economy has suffered, with tens of thousands of people filing for unemployment. School buildings were closed in March, and Gov. Pritzker recently said on-site classes would not resume for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
On Thursday, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported a daily increase of 1,826 cases of novel coronavirus, for a statewide total to date of 36,934.
IDPH reported an additional 123 deaths from COVID-19, for an Illinois total of 1,688 deaths.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said they support Pritzker's decision.