Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order: What It Means, What's Essential

ILLINOIS — A stay-at-home order for the entire state of Illinois took effect Saturday to help contain the spread of the new coronavirus. At a time when there is so much uncertainty about what will happen — and when life will return to normal — many Illinois residents are wondering: What does this mean for us? And what does it mean for local businesses?

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There are still some unknowns — like precisely how long it will take to contain coronavirus and stop its spread, and how long it will be before we can expect to see a drop in the number of new cases of the illness. Despite emergency loans for small businesses and the availability of unemployment benefits for those who are left jobless, it's unclear what the long-term effect of the outbreak will have on local businesses and the economy.

But here's what we do know.

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What's the difference between "stay at home" and "shelter in place"?

Some officials are issuing what they call "shelter in place" orders, while others are calling it a "stay-at-home" order. Generally, they both mean that residents are required to stay inside as much as possible and avoid all non-essential travel or shopping trips.

Am I allowed to go outside?

Yes — but only if you practice social distancing. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made it clear that while parks and other public facilities are closed, residents can still go outside, take a walk, play with their kids and even walk around in local parks so long as they don't trespass in closed facilities.

"As long as you practice social distancing," she said.

What is social distancing?

The CDC defines "social distancing" as remaining at least six feet from others. Federal health officials have said the highest risk of coronavirus community transmission comes from being closer than six feet to an infected person for a period of 10 minutes.

Illinois and other areas have also placed a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people as part of social distancing.

Is this a lockdown?

It depends on what you mean by "lockdown," but if you mean a ban on leaving your home — no.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lightfoot made it clear that while they are urging residents to stay home and stay inside if they can, everyone will still be able to go out and purchase essentials.

But all gatherings of more than 10 people are banned, and non-essential businesses are closed.

You're also not stuck at home if someone in your family needs care — including four-legged family members. Under the governor's orders, "essential activities" still allowed include "to take care of others: Caring for or transporting a family member, friend or pet in another household."

That means you can still drop off food or supplies at a loved one's house — while maintaining social distancing, especially to protect the more vulnerable such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes and immune disorders.

What does 'essential' mean, and can I still buy groceries?

You'll still be able to go grocery shopping, pick up prescriptions, buy dog food and any other necessity (and even home improvement supplies) while the stay-at-home order is in effect. You can even order take-out.

Under the order, essential businesses include healthcare facilities, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and those that provide essential government functions. That includes police and fire, although many police departments are modifying their policies and not responding to "low-level" crimes. Police are also modifying their policies to enforce social distancing.

Court hearings on low-priority cases have also been continued, and the Cook County jail is releasing "low-risk inmates" to relieve overcrowding and help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Even those businesses that remain open have modified the way they do things. Grocery stores remain open but some have modified hours, including separate hours for senior citizens, and other retailers — such as those selling electronics and home goods — are no longer allowing customers to shop in store but have implemented online ordering and curbside pickup.

Restaurants have been barred from allowing dine-in customers since last week, but many have shifted operations to allow curbside pickup or drive-thru service. Many craft breweries and wineries are offering curbside pickup or delivery, and some municipalities are temporarily allowing beer and wine sales with to-go restaurant orders.

Also remaining open are blood banks — which are especially in need of donations right now. Child care facilities are also allowed to remain open but private businesses, including day cares, have the right to shut down if they choose.

Marijuana dispensaries are allowed to remain open but some have modified their hours and operations. Pritzker's order allows for "food, beverage and cannabis production and agriculture."

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Other businesses allowed to remain open (possibly with modifications):

• Organizations that provide charitable and social services
• Media
• Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation
• Hardware and supply stores
• Critical trades, including plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineers, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers that maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences, essential activities, and essential businesses and operations
• Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery and pick-up services
• Laundry services
• Supplies to work from home
• Supplies for essential businesses and operations
• Transportation, for purposes of essential travel
• Home-based care and services
• Residential facilities and shelters
• Professional services

Funeral homes are also allowed to remain open but funerals cannot violate the ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. Funeral homes are also taking other precautions. "Upon arrival we shall treat the environment as infectious and YOU shall treat us as infectious," one suburban funeral home said in an update to the community.

How long will this last?

The governor's stay-at-home order lasts until April 7. That means schools and non-essential businesses will be closed at least until then.

It's unknown whether the state will choose to extend the order or allow it to expire on April 7 as scheduled.