Full Notification

Message from the McHenry Police

Governor Announces Extension of the Stay at Home Order
As I am sure many of you are aware by now, a few hours ago the Governor announced that he will be extending the Stay at Home Order until May 30^th.  The Police Department has been briefed by the State Police on the matter and these are the points that we wish to get out to our residents and businesses tonight!

1. Changes to the Executive Order will not take effect until May 1^st so nothing changes until then.
2. We will not have all the specifics of the order until a copy of it is released at which time we will publish it immediately.  This is not expected until next week.
3. It is anticipated that multiple updates and modifications to this new Executive Order will occur throughout the month of May as they further track the spread rate, death rate, recovery rate, hospital beds, testing, tracing and more.  The goal it appears is that if, when and where further restrictions can be lifted updates to the Executive Order will be published and certain restrictions will be lifted.

 
As it stands now the City has been provided the following information verbally by the State Police that will take effect MAY 1^st.  Again we caution everyone that until we receive the Executive Order the below information is only a verbal response from the State and we are posting it now because we know many will have questions that this information might help to answer.    

1. OUTDOOR RECREATION: State parks will begin a phased re-opening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website HERE . Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and when ensuring that social distancing is followed.  Golf will not be allowed until May 1^st or until the guidelines are published.  Boating will be permitted in group sizes of no more than 2. 
2. BUSINESSES WITH NO CHANGES: There are no changes to the current restrictions and allowances regarding restaurants and bars.

There are no changes to the current restrictions placed on barbers, hair salons or other salons.
There are no changes to car dealerships.
 

1. NEW ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES: Greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries may re-open as essential businesses. These stores must follow social distancing requirements and must require that employees and customers wear a face covering. Animal grooming services may also re-open with the same social distancing and face covering requirements.
    
2. NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL: Retail stores not designated as essential businesses and operations may re-open to fulfill telephone and online orders through curbside pickup or delivery.  At this time, Hair Salons are not being added to the list but it is reported that the Governor’s Task Force is working with medical professional to try and develop a way that salons could operate in a modified fashion.  It is our hopes that this will be one of the modifications that is made to the Executive Order sooner than later, but we will have to wait and see.
    
3. FACE COVERINGS: Beginning on May 1, individuals will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance. Face-coverings will be required in public indoor spaces, such as stores. This new requirement applies to all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask.  Further details will be published on this prior to May 1^st as soon as the State provides it. 
4. ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND MANUFACTURING: Essential businesses and manufacturers will be required to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing, as well as follow new requirements that maximize social distancing and prioritize the well-being of employees and customers. This will include occupancy limits for essential businesses and precautions such as staggering shifts and operating only essential lines for manufacturers.  Grocery and other stores designated as essential shall reduce their occupancy capacity to 50%, institute one-way aisles and signage for customers, eliminate the usage of reusable bags, and will be asked to limit the number of individuals from the same household shopping at the same time.  Further details will be published on this prior to May 1st as soon as the State provides it. 
5. SCHOOLS:  Educational institutions may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings. Dormitory move-outs must follow public health guidelines, including social distancing. 
6. HEALTH CARE PROCEDURES: Additional information will be provided later to address healthcare services and elective procedures to be authorized by guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The City of McHenry is committed to providing you updated information in a timely manner and will be updating this post as soon as more information is available. 
Stay Safe!!
 
The McHenry Police Department