SPRINGFIELD, IL . (ECWd) –
UPDATE: Governor’s Press Release at bottom of page.
Illinois Governor Pritzker announced he is ordering the closing of all board and dine-in restaurants starting Monday night thru March 30th, 2020.
Drive-thru and curbside pickup may continue to operate.
He appeared to blame the closures on the public.
WAND-TV has the Press Conference video online (HERE).
We will provide updates as appropriate.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, March 15, 2020
CONTACT
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Gov. 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
Chicago — 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.
“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.”
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.”
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
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11 Comments
Robert O. Bogue
Posted at 15:55h, 16 MarchWhile the owners of many small business will be taking it on the chin and going out of business because of our governor’s mandates, our governor won’t be taking a pay cut, lose a pay check, nor even miss a pay check. He’s probably not even on a diet!
Does anyone know about the rest of the state employees and how well fed they’ll be as those in private industry have their business shut down?
It seems as if you don’t have a drive thru in your business, you’re done. God help you if your blue collar and trying to earn a living.
I guess things don’t look so bad if your in government, establishing martial law, raising taxes, growing debt and taking away our second amendment rights Honk! Honk!.
Cindy
Posted at 07:27h, 16 MarchThey are up to no good and they don’t want anyone to see it. Think about it and look up Joe Imbriano on yutube. I think they are censoring my comments here if I post links.
Mags
Posted at 21:46h, 15 MarchInteresting that he is not closing Secretary of State facilities, Metra, RTA or CTA which carry a much greater risk of transmitting this LETHAL VIRUS ??? than our restaurants and bars. Not to mention the Idiots in our area that are now hoarding food from the grocery stores. Overreach from a CORRUPT TAX CHEAT – I believe this will backfire on the DEMOCRATS – I think this will be an awakening for people here in Illinois who have voted these crooks into office. Call Prizker and ask him why he is keeping the Secretary of State Offices, RTA, Metra and CTA open if he is son concerned about the FLU.
NMWTLS
Posted at 18:26h, 15 MarchPritzker says, “The time for persuasion and public appeals is over — the time for action is here.”
So evidently this means if we won’t stop going to restaurants and bars, etc, etc. because he said we should, he will just close them down so we can’t.
What the hell? Is this going to be the end of life as we know it? We know that once they change the rules/crack down/violate our rights and we stand by and allow it to happen, they will do it again and again and it will become the norm. Or get worse.
GET IN LINE. Ask permission. Never question authority. GET BACK IN LINE! Take what you’re given. Don’t ask for more. GET BACK IN LINE! Roll up your sleeve. GET BACK IN LINE!
Ralph C Norris
Posted at 19:16h, 15 MarchWhat you are saying is socialism/communism…..exactly what Bernie and his supporters want. I agree with you tho…that’s where we are headed if we continue to allow government to act this way.
Sandra Gray
Posted at 17:27h, 15 MarchSo, they are going to close restaurants and bars, how many employees and owners will lose their homes, cars, utilities and food while they are not working. Will the water companies, electric companies, and other essential services will give these people a break and let them get back on the payrolls again? As we know many families live pay check to pay check. This will be devastating for many families.
Ralph C Norris
Posted at 17:19h, 15 MarchPeople are insanely stupid. This is nothing more than a new strain of flu. It works just like the flu we are used to. Wash your hands and move on!!!
Elizabeth Gruber
Posted at 17:15h, 15 MarchThis is why we must head to the polls and vote these elitists out of office. They work for us not the other way around.
Robert Webb
Posted at 16:44h, 15 MarchDid we suddenly eliminate all freedom? Never thought I would see the day.Makes me wish I had a restaurant so I could tell the governor where to stick his order. Nobody forced to go anywhere but shouldn’t be told they can’t.
Stan
Posted at 16:40h, 15 MarchWhat about home delivery? Like pizza, and other take out menus?
Ted Hartke
Posted at 16:11h, 15 MarchWhat is the fine? I bet there are some places in the south half of Illinois who won’t be taking orders from Chicago (or Springfield.)