Pritzker Announces Bars and
Restaurants Will Close to Public by End of Monday
Next Week, State Agencies to Temporarily
Reduce Workforce While Maintaining Core Functions and Essential
Operations
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[April 07, 2020]
As
the state continues to take aggressive action to minimize the spread
of COVID-19 in our communities, Governor JB Pritzker announced that
all bars and restaurants in the state of Illinois will be closed to
the public, beginning at close of business Monday, March 16th
through Monday, March 30th.
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“This is another hard step to take. I know how
difficult this will be on small businesses around the state. But we
must do everything we can to safeguard the health of the citizens of
Illinois, and that requires this urgent action,” said Governor JB
Pritzker. “The time for persuasion and public appeals is over — the
time for action is here. This is not a joke. No one is immune to
this, and you have an obligation to act in the best interests of all
the people of this state.”
“This is a make or break moment. Clear and bold actions are needed
immediately to stop the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen public
health in Chicago and across the state,” said Mayor Lori E.
Lightfoot. “In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to keep
our residents and businesses apprised of developing information,
ensuring they understand the measures we are taking and are
following the latest guidance by public health officials. The City
of Chicago is working to safeguard the health of our communities at
every level of our operations. We are resilient, and we are all in
this together.”
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The state is working closely with restaurant owners and food
delivery services to ensure kitchens can safely remain open to
continue food delivery and put in place drive-thru and curbside
pickup options for restaurants to continue to serve the public.
“Public safety is the No. 1 concern of the Illinois
Restaurant Association,” said Sam Toia, president of the Illinois
Restaurant Association. “First and foremost, we want to protect the
health of our customers and team members. We remain vigilant in
helping employers to navigate the immediate challenges that come
with this rapidly changing situation. I want to thank Governor
Pritzker and his team, and Mayor Lightfoot and her team, for leading
us.”
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ACTIONS TO PROTECT STATE WORKFORCE
Gov. Pritzker also announced that he has directed state agencies to
implement plans for a temporary reduction of government functions
and workforce while maintaining core functions and essential
operations.
Select employees will continue to report to work; while the
remaining workforce will either work remotely or be asked to remain
home on call while receiving pay. All state employees will continue
to be paid during this period.
Over the next several days, the Pritzker administration will
finalize these plans and update state employees and the public. The
Office of the Governor will remain fully operational throughout this
period.
SOCIAL DISTANCING REMAINS CRUCIAL
Social distancing is the paramount strategy for minimizing the
spread of COVID-19 in our communities, and the Governor is committed
to using every tool at his disposal to protect public health.
Those experiencing symptoms should call a health care provider who
will help arrange medical treatment without putting others at risk
of exposure.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has a statewide COVID-19
hotline and website to answer any questions from the public or to
report a suspected case: call 1-800-889-3931 or visit
IDPH.illinois.gov.
[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker]
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2020/Mar/16/images/ads/current/pestcontrol_bch_termites.png) |