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* ABC 7…
The west suburban village of Oak Park is urging residents to shelter in place for two weeks as the number of coronavirus cases in Illinois reached 288.
Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb declared a local state of emergency Wednesday due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The village’s Public Health Director Mike Charley issued a public order requiring residents to shelter in place starting Friday, March 20, through April 3.
The order is here. An Oak Park resident in his 30s just tested positive.
* Let’s take a look at the definitions section, which is where the meat is. The order includes numerous exemptions…
a. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following “Essential Activities.” But people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and people who are sick are urged to stay in their residence to the extent possible except as necessary to seek medical care.
i. To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members (including, but not limited to, pets), such as, by way of example only and without limitation, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home;
ii. To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
iii. To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, or running;
iv. To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential Business or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this Order, including Minimum Basic Operations; or
v. To care for a family member or pet in another household.
b. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to work for or obtain services at any “Healthcare Operations” including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers, mental health providers, medical cannabis dispensaries and related retail sales or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services. “Healthcare Operations” also includes veterinary care and all healthcare services provided to animals. This exemption shall be construed broadly to avoid any impacts to the delivery of healthcare, broadly defined. “Healthcare Operations” does not include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities.
c. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure,” including, but not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness), airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible. Upon application of hardship by the Village’s Chief Building Official, the Public Health Director may authorize limited private construction activities not limited to the matters set forth in this section.
d. For purposes of this Order, all sworn Police Department and Fire Department personnel (“First Responders”), emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, and law enforcement personnel, and others working for or to support Essential Businesses are categorically exempt from this Order. Further, nothing in this Order shall prohibit any individual from performing or accessing “Essential Governmental Functions.” Essential Government Functions means all services needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public and all agencies that provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public. All Essential Governmental Functions shall be performed in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible.
e. For the purposes of this Order, covered businesses include any for-profit, non-profit, or educational entities, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure.
f. For the purposes of this Order, “Essential Businesses” means:
i. Healthcare Operations and Essential Infrastructure;
ii. Grocery stores, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
iii. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;
iv. Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals;
v. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services;
vi. Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities;
vii. Banks and related financial institutions;
viii. Hardware stores;
ix. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses;
x. Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes;
xi. Educational institutions—including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities—for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible;
xii. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers;
xiii. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or carry out. Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site;
xiv. Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home;
xv. Businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate;
xvi. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences;
xvii. Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Order;
xviii. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
xix. Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children;
xx. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities; and
xxi. Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in this Order to work as permitted. To the extent possible, childcare facilities must operate under the following mandatory conditions:1. Childcare must be carried out in stable groups of 12 or fewer (“stable” means that the same 12 or fewer children are in the same group each day).
2. Children shall not change from one group to another.
3. If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate room. Groups shall not mix with each other.
4. Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children.g. For the purposes of this Order, “Minimum Basic Operations” include the following, provided that employees comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible, while carrying out such operations:
i. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions; or
ii. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences.
i. Any travel related to the provision of or access to Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, Essential Businesses, or Minimum Basic Operations;
ii. Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons;
iii. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services;
iv. Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction;
v. Travel required by law enforcement or court order; or
vi. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the Village. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their transportation out of the Village remains available and functional prior to commencing such travel.i. For purposes of this Order, residences include hotels, motels, shared rental units, and similar facilities.
j. For purposes of this order Social Distancing Requirements includes maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 7:19 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Pretty much doing that now even less really.
Comment by Not a Billionaire Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 7:30 pm
Social media is a mess right now. Plus was out just grabbing some stuff today and someone, obviously looking for attention, was saying super loud- “Pritzker is doing a curfew tonight I heard from a buddy of mine, everyone get as much as you can.”
This is probably the most frustrating things. Keyboard warriors and attention seekers in public.
Comment by Frank talks Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 7:37 pm
I like the idea of a local government trying to keep people in their homes. Theoretically, it’s another layer of government trying to help flatten the curve — and could help flatten the curve in state leaders or local school boards, for instance, back away from their own restrictions. Would be interesting to see whether and how it is enforceable.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 7:47 pm
If nothing else, it’ll be an interesting trial balloon to see how the general public reacts. I’m sure the state will be watching
Comment by jimbo Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 8:34 pm
I’m not sure how much this shelter in place order changes much of what’s already is in place. Movie theaters, bars, restaurants and many stores are closed. I’m not going out at this point because there’s really nowhere to go to. But I see the value of staying at home and doing my part. Not everybody can and for those this is the logical next step. We’re behind the curve and we have to take extreme steps to overcome poor decision making and execution on the front end of this.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 8:43 pm
Let the Statw or Chicago do it first. What good does one town do? Classic that it’s Oak Park. Of course. Probably had this Order cued up for days just waiting for someone to get the virus. This is the mayor just wanting attention as a leader on the issue
Comment by Name/Nickname - May soon be required Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 9:54 pm
Agree with Prudent for the most part.
Only thing extra here is stuff like playing basketball in the park, which is still happening a lot in my neighborhood here in Chicago.
Comment by ChrisinCHI Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 9:56 pm
It’s true, I’m issuing a curfew and restrictions governing movement.
Comment by Gov Fat Rod Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:29 pm
how is this much different than what is currently occurring?
Comment by westburbgirl Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:38 pm
Didn’t see an exemption for any resident who happens to be Senate President to attend session in Springfield.
Looks like Don is stuck at home.
/s
Comment by anon Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 11:27 pm
Any number of these exemptions can be claimed for just about anything. All sizzle and no steak. If anything, this is reinforcement that the situation is serious and individuals should not go out unless necessary. A law firm made some dough writing this fluff though.
Comment by Elliott Ness Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 6:35 am
There is talk about allowing mayors in my area to do the same thing.
Went to the store last night to pick up some snacks. In addition to paper products shelves being empty, the bread aisle was bare.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 7:04 am
I’m concerned by the “shelter in place” directive. Based on a friend’s experience in Italy, it can be as draconian as not leaving the house, even for exercise.
It seems to me that people out running or walking are improving their immune system from attack. At a minimum, a robustly healthy individual is going to have a quicker recovery than one that is not.
Comment by Downstate Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 8:26 am
No two shelter in place orders seem to be exactly the same. San Francisco’s explicitly allows for exercise. Oak Park’s order seem very expansive. At this people should be using common sense and limiting their activities to only those that are absolutely necessary (i.e., getting essential supplies). Unfortunately, we still seem to have a number of people that either ignore the advice of public health officials or are going as far as flaunting their right to do whatever they want.
The advice and science are clear. This isn’t going to get better until all of us dramatically alter our day to day activities. The longer that takes the further we’ll find ourselves from being on the other side of the curve.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 8:38 am
I believe OP is one of the few municipalities with a public health director that has some of these powers — it’s an interesting gap in our municipal governance.
Comment by WH Mess Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 9:02 am
Downstate - Of course you are, people in your part of the state just elected three people who don’t even believe in government Tuesday night, ie Bailey, Miller, Niemerg.
Comment by Resist the Easternblock Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 9:06 am
Two ER physicians at Rush Oak Park have been diagnosed. Nothing to fool around with. https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-illinois-news-20200319-pjmnjudglrflxcygdhqyxrncia-story.html
Comment by AnnieH Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 9:11 am
Oak Park explicitly allows outdoor exercise, as long as you follow social distancing. It’s in the third paragraph, so you didn’t even have to read far.
Comment by notsosure Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 10:11 am
“Let the Statw or Chicago do it first. What good does one town do? Classic that it’s Oak Park. Of course. Probably had this Order cued up for days just waiting for someone to get the virus. This is the mayor just wanting attention as a leader on the issue”
People like you are the primary reason that draconian shelter in place orders are necessary…you couch your comments as “commin sense,” but you miss the point entirely. This is an unprecedented GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS. Your mayor and village government having this order prepared and ready days in advance, regardless of political affiliation, is not cause for criticism and concern. Your ideas of top down orders are sensible, but as we have all seen, until very recently, not much direction has come from the top. Be glad your mayor is not like you, waiting around for someone else to take responsibility, but always happy to assign blame. Luckily your brand of stupid is not as infectious as this disease. I never comment on this stuff, but egads man! Inform yourself before broadcasting your thoughts to the world. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
Comment by seriously Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 2:12 pm
What if you are caught away from home for an unavoidable situation (e.g., a family funeral out of town) at the time a shelter in place is issued? (As in it wasn’t issued when the shelter order was issued, but went into effect when you were trying to get home). Will you be allowed to return to your home?
Comment by Leatherneck Thursday, Mar 19, 20 @ 5:58 pm
Did you actually read the order or just the headline? There’s nothing preventing you from returning home.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Mar 20, 20 @ 6:38 am