Governor Says Stay at Home Order Will Be Extended Through Saturday, May 30; Order Will be Modified, Though

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Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker Thursday said the Stay At Home order for the state will be extended through Saturday, May 30. Pritzker said he would sign the order next week.

However, Pritzker said he would be modifying the order.

As of May 1, the governor said surgicenters and hospitals will be able to begin scheduling surgeries and other procedures.

Pritzker said retail stores may take orders online and provide pickup and delivery services.

Also as of May 1, a phased opening of Illinois state parks will begin, although there will still be some restrictions.

One change as of May 1 is that anyone over age two who can tolerate a face covering will be required to wear one if they can't maintain a six-foot social distancing area.

Pritzker announced the moves at his daily Coronavirus Disease press briefing.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced 1,826 new positive cases of COVID-19. She also reported 123 additional deaths.

71 of the deaths were from Cook County. 14 deaths are from DuPage County, 11 deaths are from Lake County, eight deaths from Will County, five deaths from Kankakee County, four deaths from McHenry County, two deaths from Kane and Winnebago Counties, and one death each from Boone, Champaign, Fayette, Jackson, Kendall and Sangamon Counties.

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 36,934 cases, including 1,688 deaths, in 96 counties in Illinois.

For health questions about COVID-19, phone the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.