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* Last night…
California’s 40 million residents should stay home indefinitely and venture outside only for essential jobs, errands and some exercise, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday, warning that the coronavirus threatens to overwhelm the state’s medical system.
The move, the most sweeping by any state so far, was an exclamation point at the end of a week of increasingly aggressive moves meant to keep the virus in check by forcing people to stay away from each other as often as possible.
“I can assure you home isolation is not my preferred choice, I know it’s not yours, but it’s a necessary one,” Newsom said at an evening news conference streamed on social media.
He assured residents that they “can still take your kids outside, practicing common sense and social distancing. You can still walk your dog.” Restaurant meals can still be delivered to homes.
* Today…
Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered nonessential businesses to keep 100% of their workforce at home and put in place stringent new restrictions on New Yorkers starting Sunday as the state grapples with the worst coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
“When I talk about the most drastic action we can take, this is the most drastic action we can take,” Cuomo said at a press conference in Albany on Friday. Cases across the state surged by 2,950 overnight to 7,102, he said. “This is not life as usual. Accept it. Realize it and deal with it.” […]
When in public, individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet, he said. Businesses that provide essential services, like grocery stores, pharmacies and banks, must implement rules that ensure employees and customers maintain at least six feet of space between each other, according to a slide presented at the press conference. Individuals should also limit use of public transit only if it’s absolutely necessary. Individuals will also need to limit outdoor activities, avoiding ones where they come into close contact with other people. […]
Mayor de Blasio said Thursday there’s been “an explosion of cases here in New York City,” including an inmate at Rikers Island. Cases in NYC jumped by 1,939 overnight to 4,408, Cuomo said Friday. The number of cases is surging as the state ramps up its testing capability and detects previously unknown infections. “This number is, nonetheless, very, very painful,” de Blasio said Thursday when the case count was significantly lower.
Do you think Illinois’ governor will do the same?
- jname - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:28 am:
Yes.
- Seats - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:28 am:
I think JB will do the same today. Highly doubt the 6 feet rule will be enforced at the grocery stores those as mentioned in the New York press release.
- Pundent - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:31 am:
I suspect that most states will need to implement something along these lines. We were far to late as a country in responding to the initial threat and only until recently testing has lagged most other countries. As a result, the community spread is far greater and we now have to take a more drastic approach in trying to flatten the curve.
- CharlieKratos - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:32 am:
Yes. Absolutely. He’s been on top of this thing so far.
- Leatherneck - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:33 am:
Yes.
But I have a question on “stay at home” orders in general. I have to do unavoidable travel out of town for family reasons (from Chatham to the Peoria area) this afternoon into tomorrow night (returning home then). If a shelter in place goes into effect immediately tomorrow, will I be allowed to drive home? That worries me.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:35 am:
At this point, the *states* with the largest and second largest cities in America, I’d probably be shocked if in the coming days (giving the Governor and his crew some room), if not today, the governor with the 3rd largest city / media market would likely follow those *states*.
That’s the ball game;
Shock if it doesn’t happen.
And I come at this, close it, do whatever needs to be done, there seems to be no need to reassess when our governor has been thoughtful and leading, while being prudent and cautious about getting too far ahead of peer states.
- Left of the Lake - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:35 am:
Yes, especially going into the weekend. Need to ensure people reduce travel and continue social distancing
- Anon - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:37 am:
I think Chicago should have a stay home water with the big difference between us and New York/California is that they’re huge numbers of cases statewide there. This is still primarily focused in cook county I don’t know if it makes sense for rural/unaffected parts of the state to be impacted by this order.
- Anon - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:38 am:
*order not water lol Siri
- ;) - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:39 am:
Yes he will, naturally after other leaders acted. Pritzker is soooo weak it is ridiculous.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:40 am:
===will I be allowed to drive home?===
He’s not going to declare marshall law. Marital law. Martial law.
- Give Me A Break - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:41 am:
No idea if he will or not or should. I guess it depends on if they think people will actually stay at home for weeks on end.
Talked to a friend who is a real estate agent who is terrified he will lock down the state weeks. She is not being selfish but said it is one thing for interest rates to go up or credit to be harder to get, but to tell people they can’t tour a home for sale will simply shut down sales, tax generating sales.
She added you can do all the virtual tours you want on your PC, no one will buy something without walking through it.
Not sure what the answer is to this situation. Imagine having a home for sale right now or in the market for one.
- Pat Quinn Mowing Grass - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:41 am:
I expect that he will. Is it needed? probably not every where, but he has to run the whole state like it’s Chicago….which I understand.
- Moe Berg - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:42 am:
I don’t believe there are any parts of the state that are “unaffected.” There’s a lack of testing capacity that gives that appearance.
We’re already running out of medical supplies and PPE and the hospitals are literally begging in the streets. The feds are of almost no help.
So, what chance is there to stop the system from getting overwhelmed if we don’t go to shelter-in-place now?
- Rich Miller - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:42 am:
===Pritzker is soooo weak it is ridiculous. ===
I’m always wary of people who want strongman style leadership and anything less than dictatorship is weak. It’s undemocratic and unAmerican. Don’t do that here.
- Real - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:43 am:
Of course he will. This is the agenda across the county or globally. coronavirus is the villain.
- Captain Who - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:43 am:
yes
- Hard D - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:45 am:
Not sure those states and the state of Washington have 50% of the confirmed cases. It was reported last night that 10 counties nation wide from those states make up the 50% number. I also believe that if these states shut down it’s imperative to get all the homeless people off the streets. Get them new clothes check them for the virus and clean them up. They live a unhealthy life style as it is and you can bet most have impaired immune systems which make them vulnerable to the virus. Use this crisis to help those who really need assistance now. JMO
- Pundent - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:46 am:
=Yes he will, naturally after other leaders acted. Pritzker is soooo weak it is ridiculous.=
The former Rosati’s in Taylorville might take exception to that comment.
- Secret Square - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:46 am:
It should be noted that, at least with regard to the California “shelter in place” order (and an earlier order that applied only to the SF Bay Area; haven’t looked at the NY order but I presume it’s similar) the order was NOT absolute and contained considerable exceptions: travel to care for or deliver supplies to a person in need, taking pets out for a walk (and, I assume, to do their business), walking/jogging for personal exercise (either alone, or observing proper social distancing), travel to tend to any necessary business at a workplace (including dropping off or picking up stuff you need to work at home), and so on. So the notion that people are going to be LITERALLY locked up in their homes and confronted by cops or National Guardsmen if they dare step outside is more than a bit exaggerated.
- Thoughts matter - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:50 am:
I am worried about my adult son who lives alone and works in a bordering state. He doesn’t drive. If his work tells them to work from home( they haven’t so far), I want to go get him so I know he’s got food, etc. Waiting on his company to announce their new policy. what if that’s not today? What if once I could get him here, then I can’t get him back if they call him back in?
He has a pre-existing condition and needs that insurance. This is so stressful
- Real - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:51 am:
Ofcourse he will. That’s the whole agenda. Coronavirus is the villain. #NWO
- Rich Miller - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:53 am:
===then I can’t get him back if they call him back in?===
Please, take a breath. It’s not like there’s gonna be tanks on the interstates. Do yourself a favor and put off your worry until it happens and then read the entire order yourself. And tell your friends and family to do the same.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:54 am:
=== Coronavirus is the villain===
It’s not a hero.
- L.A. - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:54 am:
Define essential. Its essential for me to work so that the company that I work for can make money and pay me, and so the company can pay the landlord for the space they rent, so the landlord can pay the utility company for the electricity we use. And what about the clients that owe the company that I work for money…if they aren’t working, they can’t pay their bills, and then my company doesn’t get paid, no payment to landlord, etc. If that whole process plays out in every state in this country, the stock market drop the past two weeks will look like child’s play.
- Amalia - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:55 am:
Yes. And then Lori does not have to worry about making the call. which she could do. it has to be done.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:56 am:
=== pay me===
This is far bigger than the individual.
Thinking individually is like thinking the spring breakers on the beach are being cautions and prudent too
- My New Handle - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:56 am:
From my experience in the past few days, it seems many, maybe most, people don’t take situation seriously. Since the states are on their own in combatting the spread of the disease, the governor will probably follow suit. He seems to care about the health of Illinoisans and what he has done so far is at least an attempt to keep us safe from the virus. With the feds having drug their feet in responding meaningfully to limit the chaos, Pritzker and others may have no other choice, or just throw up their hands and tell us we’re on our own.
- thoughts matter - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:57 am:
Thank you Rich.
My job is in info technology and involves analysis and planning for contingencies. My personal life reaps both the benefits and loss of that planning mentality.
- Downstate - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:59 am:
There is no downside to a politician overreacting to this situation. Alternatively, under reaction will get serious blow back.
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 11:59 am:
It seems likely.
If he does, it will be because people (and workplaces) are not being responsible. If you look at these orders, they are just telling people to do what has already been requested. Unfortunately, workplaces are not having people work from home when they can, and folks with symptoms are still going to work.
My workplace has had to be pushed into responsible behavior every step of the way.
C’mon, people.
- L.A. - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:02 pm:
Its not just the individual, its the whole process. the company, the landlord, the clients, etc. the big picture. Imagine that playing out across the country. then what happens. And I’m not a spring breaker; I go to work in the morning and pick up up a pack of cigs at the gas station on my way home at night. That’s it. Im basically sheltering in two places.
- Jakita Wagner - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:02 pm:
It’s only a matter of time.
- Top of the State - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:04 pm:
If he does quarantine the state…There is a concern about the run on stores. Unfortunately, panic in our culture can bring out the best and worst in people.
- Top of the State - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:04 pm:
If he does quarantine the state…There is a concern about the run on stores. Unfortunately, panic in our culture can bring out the best and worst in people.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:04 pm:
=== individual, its the whole process===
The process of not spreading a virus?
That must be as broad based as possible.
The process right now is to flatten the curve, it’s not easy choices.
- Dakota - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:08 pm:
You must be independently wealthy OW. Seems to me you want it to be as painful as possible.
- Last Bull Moose - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:09 pm:
An order goes too far. How can it be enforced? And who decides what work is essential? Are plumbers and electricians essential, certainly they are at times.
If a two week lockdown could suppress the virus , I would support it. Otherwise, I prefer education, persuasion, and public disapproval to police, fines, and jail. Especially when courts are closed and non-violent offenders are not being jailed.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:10 pm:
=== You must be independently wealthy.===
Nope. I’m hurting as much as the very next person.
===Seems to me you want it to be as painful as possible.===
No, I want my family, friends, “you”, society to be around to have to worry about money, versus not be around and have nothing to worry about forever.
How’s that?
- Because I said so.... - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:11 pm:
I think he will and isn’t better to err on the side of caution? If you absolutely need to go somewhere then go. Otherwise, just stay home.
- Nick Name - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:12 pm:
Yes.
Last night I thought it might take a week, but my wife said it would happen today or tomorrow. Now I think she was right.
- Pundent - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:13 pm:
=If that whole process plays out in every state in this country, the stock market drop the past two weeks will look like child’s play.=
We have a finite supply of hospital beds in this country to handle this. You seem to be advocating for the UK approach which was quickly abandoned when they realized that it could produce 250K deaths.
And BTW, you might want to skip that stop at the gas station. Puts you in a higher risk category. Be well.
- striketoo - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:14 pm:
Pritzker started out strong on containing the virus. His failure to postpone the primary and to declare a statewide lockdown have sent him back the the middle of the pack. The middle of the pack will kill thousands.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:15 pm:
===failure to postpone the primary===
He couldn’t postpone it.
- L.A. - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:17 pm:
- And BTW, you might want to skip that stop at the gas station. Puts you in a higher risk category. Be well.
Thanks for the advice.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:35 pm:
Don’t know but absolutely think he should. It’s all about striking back at the virus the hardest as early as possible, to prevent catastrophic spread.
- Han's Solo Cup - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:35 pm:
Why not? It keeps the appearance of doing all the state can and is also unenforceable.
- In 630 - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:42 pm:
I’d learn toward yes, especially if it’s apparent that there are still a bunch of knuckleheads who don’t get it gathering.
Honestly I’d wait until Sunday or Monday when the weather will start to improve next week and people will need a reminder
- Southern Skeptic - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:42 pm:
Yes. Today at 3. Book it.
- DownSouth - Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 12:58 pm:
I was initially and even as late as late night thinking this likely wouldn’t occur until perhaps next week. I have since changed my mind and yes, expect it today. The real trick is going be helping people understand exactly what it means, quelling crazy rumors, and keeping folks from thinking the end is near. Clear communication is going to be most important in the event of a shut down/lock down/shelter in place whatever it ends up being called.