April 23, 2020 Update from the Mayor

Posted on Posted in COVID-19
April 23, 2020 Update from the Mayor

Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 1,826 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 36,934 cases, including 1,688 deaths, in 96 counties in Illinois.  Hickory Hills now has 41 confirmed cases and 2 deaths.  

Governor’s Stay at Home Order Extended Through May 30 AND Masks Are Required in Public When Social Distancing Cannot Be Maintained 

Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced that he would sign an executive order next week extending and modifying the Stay at Home Order that is currently in effect until April 30. His new order will take effect on May 1 and continue through May 30. Linked here is the Governor’s press release announcing the extension and modifications.

Specifically with regard to Masks or 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.

In his announcement, the Governor made modifications to the current Stay at Home Order by both strengthening and relaxing various provisions. For exact details about what was announced and specific information, please refer directly to the Governor’s announcement. A general summary of the modifications includes:

  • There are no changes to the current restrictions and allowances regarding restaurants and bars.
  • There are no changes to the current restrictions placed on barbers, hair salons or other salons.
  • 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.
  • All essential businesses may remain open consistent with the original executive order. Grocery and other stores designated as essential shall reduce their occupancy capacity to 50%, institute one-way aisles and signage for customers, eliminate the usage of reusable bags, and will be asked to limit the number of individuals from the same household shopping at the same time.
  • Some state parks will be opened. Activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, walking and running are allowed, given adequate social distancing. Fishing and boating will only be allowed in groups no larger than two per boat. The decision to open or close community parks remains under local authority. Additional guidance from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, including which state parks will reopen on May 1, is available via this link.
  • Golf courses shall be allowed to operate within strict parameters.
  • Pet grooming services shall be allowed to operate.
  • Greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries and landscape supply companies shall be allowed to operate.
  • All retail stores, including those previously closed as non-essential, will be authorized to fulfill online orders through curbside pickup or delivery.
  • Additional information will be provided later to address healthcare services and elective procedures to be authorized by guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

Wishing a Generous Ramadan

On behalf of the City, I wish all of our Muslim friends a generous Ramadan as it begins this evening.  The official start of Ramadan is subject to the sighting of the first crescent of a new moon, and so it begins at different times around the world.  This year, Ramadan ends on Saturday, May 23, 2020. On that evening, and for the next three days, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” Eid al-Fitr is celebrated through prayer, gifts, and a lavish feast.

Keep Our Community Clean 

Hopefully we all have either a new found or stronger appreciation for the benefits of our natural environment as many of us walk our neighborhoods in the midst of spring.  A resident just e-mailed me with the following request:

“During this time of pandemic, as I get outdoors, I see many more people out and about, walking their dogs or just enjoying the fresh air.  Unfortunately, I’ve also noticed an increase in the amount of trash, dog waste, gloves, and masks.  These items should always be disposed of properly, but especially in this time of increased use of the outdoors for our mental health and chance of infection. Please clean up after yourself and your pet. Keep our community one that we enjoy walking in.”

Secretary of State Updates 

With the Illinois Secretary of State Offices closed through April 30, 2020 and likely beyond, the following information regarding license renewals, notarization, REAL ID and CDL testing may be important to many:

Easy Way to Feeling Happier…Drink More Water

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/americans-who-drink-this-much-water-a-day-are-more-likely-to-report-feeling-very-happy/

Speaking of Water, With Summer Right Around the Corner Do Not Forget Importance of Water Safety 

Have a great Friday! 

Mayor Mike