Governor extends order through May

Governor J.B. Pritzker has extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 30.

The governor says if the state lifted current restrictions right now, a second wave of infection would result along with more hospitalizations and deaths.

Under this new order, people will be required to wear a facial covering when out in public starting May 1 and many state parks will reopen. Also, fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be allowed and places like golf courses, greenhouses, garden centers and dog groomers may open.

As of Thursday afternoon, 123 more people have died from COVID-19 in the state bringing the Illinois death toll to 1,688 with patients from counties all over the state. Almost 37,000 Illinois residents have now tested positive for the virus.