Illinois Final Modified Stay at Home Order Signed and Now Effective Until May 30, 2020

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Seyfarth Synopsis: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a final modified stay at home order that is now effective May 1, 2020 through May 30, 2020. We provided a summary of the anticipated changes based on the previously released draft order here; however the final order contains some minor changes.

Modified Stay at Home Order Effective May 1 through May 30

As expected, the modified stay at home order will be effective May 1, 2020 through May 30, 2020. While there have been lawsuits filed and rallies organized to stop the stay at home order, Illinois has proceeded with implementing the modified stay at home order.

Illinois Final Modified Stay at Home Order Requirements

The modifications set forth in the previously-released draft order that we summarized here remained primarily intact in the final order, except for the following:

• The final order removed the requirement that individuals may only fish or hike in groups of two or less. Instead, the final order provides that “fishing, hiking and golf is permitted only when following the guidelines of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.” The guidelines for golfing can be found here. No specific guidance on fishing or hiking has been released, but individuals should consult the DCEO website before engaging in either activity.
• Engaging in the free exercise of religion has been added as an “essential activity.” However, the order requires that any such exercise of religion must comply with Social Distancing requirements, and gatherings must be limited to 10 people or less. The order encourages religious organizations and houses of worship to use online or drive-in services.

As contemplated by the draft order, all businesses that have employees physically reporting to a worksite must post guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding workplace safety during COVID-19, which can now be found here.

Employers should review the complete modified stay at home order and make adjustments to their operations and workforce to the extent any of the modifications impact their business so they are in compliance as soon as possible.