Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has ordered all restaurants and bars to be closed to dine-in customers through March 30 as the number of coronavirus cases jumps to 93.
The order came Sunday afternoon during the governor’s daily press conference regarding COVID-19 and the order will take place starting Monday. Restaurants will still be open for pick-up and delivery of food.
The Illinois Department of Public Health said there were 29 new cases as of Sunday, bringing the total to 93 in 13 counties in Illinois.
Five additional counties are now reporting cases – Champaign, Clinton, Sangamon, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties. Other locations with cases include Chicago and Cook, Cumberland, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, St. Clair, and Woodford counties.
At least 3 Lake County residents and 2 McHenry County residents are included in the 93 total cases.
Cases have occurred in all age ranges and the number of cases that do not have a clear connection to travel or a known COVID-19 case is increasing, health officials said.
“Social distancing measures, such as working from home, limiting the amount of time spent in the community, and trying to avoid public transportation as much as possible, will help reduce the number of people who become sick at any given time and the possibility of exhausting our health care resources,” health officials said in a statement.
“We are seeing the number of COVID-19 cases increase exponentially and in more locations across Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike.
“At this point, it is best to assume that the coronavirus is circulating in your community and you should take the same precautions when interacting with other people that you would when interacting with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19,” Ezike said.
People with general questions about COVID-19 can call 800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.