State of Illinois Executive Order
As you are undoubtedly aware by now, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker today issued COVID-19 Executive Order No. 8 (“EO No.8”), under the authority granted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, 20 ILCS 3305/7(1)-7(12). The Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act grants the Illinois Governor very broad emergency powers for a period not to exceed 30-days when the Governor Declares a Disaster, which Governor Pritzker did on March 9, 2020. The Governor may renew this Declaration at the end of the 30-day period.
EO No.8 is a Stay-Home Order which provides limitations on businesses currently operating in the State of Illinois. EO No.8 goes into effect on Saturday, March 21st at 5:00pm and extends until April 7, 2020. EO #8 requires all individuals currently living in the State of Illinois to stay at home or their place of residence except as allowed under this Executive Order. Further, all businesses and operations in the State, except for Essential Business and Operations, as defined by EO No.8, are required to cease all activities except for operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residence (i.e., working from home). As you can see, understanding and defining your business within the requirements of an Essential Business and Operation, is critical for your continued operation during this State of Emergency.
The Order goes further to divide and define Essential Business and Operations, including Healthcare and Public Health Operations (hospitals, clinics, etc.), Human Services Operations (long-term care facilities, etc.), Essential Infrastructure (Food Production/Distribution, Construction, Telecommunications among several listed categories), Essential Governmental Functions and Essential Business and Operations (including twenty-three described sub-categories including Supplies for Essential Business and Operations, and a very broad section for Manufacture, Distribution, and Supply Chain for Critical Products and Industry). EO No.8 along with an included Question & Answer document from the Governor’s Office is included with this letter.
Understanding all the exceptions and requirements of this Executive Order is imperative for the continued safe and lawful operation of your business. We ask that you take the time to read this Executive Order. For additional certainty, Power & Cronin can provide a legal opinion with a specific analysis of this Executive Order tailored to your individual business operation. Likewise, with enforcement happening at both the State and Local Level, Power & Cronin can assist you in designing a letter for your employees to carry on their person identifying the essential nature of your business as defined by EO No.8 as a way to provide assistance and assurance to your employees as they travel to/from work.
Power & Cronin greatly appreciates the opportunity to provide you with the very best legal representation. Please let us know if you need any further guidance with EO No.8 or any other matter to assist with your business. Our staff of 15 attorneys are available at your request.
Very truly yours,
Daniel J. Cronin
POWER & CRONIN, LTD.