Pritzker calls for end to evictions, nonessential business in statewide shelter-in-place order

UPDATED, 5:54 p.m.: As part of his statewide shelter-in-place order, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker called for a halt on evictions and the closure of all non-essential businesses.

The governor’s mandate is in effect from Saturday evening through April 7.

The move follows suburban Oak Park’s shelter-in-place order and similar directives for residents in California and New York to stay home.

Pritzker said it’s the only way to limit the increase of cases, which have reached 585, and avoid the loss of tens of thousands of lives in Illinois.

Businesses deemed essential, including construction, banking and distribution, can proceed as can professional services. Those include real estate services such as appraisal and title services.

The governor said nothing major will change for residents who have already been self-quarantining, as they’re still able to make necessary trips to certain places including the grocery store and pharmacy. He said restaurants can continue to offer food pickup and delivery as they remain closed to dine-in service.

Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who was also present for the address, reiterated that people can continue their normal purchasing patterns and should not hoard groceries or other supplies.

Lightfoot also announced that Chicago’s parks and libraries will close Saturday evening and could be repurposed for third-party uses.

During a separate address on Thursday evening, Lightfoot asked landlords to give “grace” to tenants and banks to grant relief from foreclosure.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday said it would suspend all of its foreclosures and evictions through April in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi temporarily suspended assessment notice mailings and appeal deadlines until further notice, as his office remains closed to the public.