Governor Pritzker issues Executive Order Requiring All Illinoisans to Stay in Their Homes to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19
March 20, 2020
Illinois Governor Pritzker has issued a mandatory ‘Stay at Home’ directive beginning at 5 PM, tomorrow Saturday, March 21 through April 7, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. It is the responsibility of every Illinois citizen to abide by this directive to protect and support our front-line workers and to protect our most vulnerable.
The order prohibits things like visiting the homes of friends and holding gatherings of any size. Everyone is encouraged to work from home where possible. This directive closes all non-essential businesses, including retail, recreation and entertainment establishments.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and medical facilities will remain open. You may travel to these locations, including restaurants that offer take-out, but then are requested to return directly home. If you work in an essential industry you may travel to your job and return home. You may leave your home to walk your dog, go for a walk or run but should always practice social distancing.
Essential services that will remain open include:
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Police and Fire stations
- Hardware stores
- Hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities
- Banks
- Laundromats
- Restaurants providing take out service
- Public transportation is running, and roads and tollways are open
Franklin Park has already closed Village Hall to the public and is now virtual and available through phone and email only. The Governor is encouraging private construction by continuing the permitting process.
Garbage and recycling will be collected on Monday.
Though these precautions may seem drastic, experts believe countless lives will be saved by containing the spread of the virus. We will endure these substantial inconveniences and hopefully come out a better stronger, safer and healthier community.
Please call on the elderly and disabled and offer to leave groceries on their porch or in their lobby. Purchase only what you need.
This virus can be spread before you even know you have it. Proceed as if you can be spreading the virus. Please continue to follow the CDC hygiene guidelines, wash your hands thoroughly and often, avoid touching surfaces in public places and keep acceptable distances (6 feet or more) from others.
For questions on what this order means for you, please
click here Gov Stay at Home Order
Village Hall is Virtual
Beginning Thursday, March 19, the Village of Franklin Park will be closed to all public access. The Village is operating but will conduct Village Hall services and operations online or over the phone. This step is for the continued health and safety of our staff and of the community. These steps are recommended to help contain the spread of viruses. The Village is committed to serving its residents and staff and will be available virtually via phone and email from Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Village strongly encourages residents and businesses to use the Village’s convenient online bill payment systems to pay water bills here: http://www.villageoffranklinpark.com/departments/finance/. See more regarding water bill due date extensions and payment options on this Page.
The Clerk’s Office will be closed to the public but available through email at clerk@vofp.com and by phone at 847-671-8242. Passport services are suspended until further notice but you can go to www.travel.state.gov or call the Passport Customer Service number at 1-877-487-2778 for questions or information.
The Building Department will not be open for walk-ins. Permits can be facilitated by using our online services. You can also fill out forms and put them in the parking lot drop box. Please access more information here: http://www.villageoffranklinpark.com/departments/building/. If you have questions for the Building Department, please call 847- 671-8245.
- Emergency operations will continue through our Police and Fire Department.
- Essential operations and services will continue to be provided by our Public Works staff. Trash and recycling will be collected as usual on Monday.
- All non-essential Village meetings and events have been cancelled. This includes all Commission meetings until further notice.
- The Senior Cafe at North Park is closed until further notice and all their senior activities are cancelled. Meals on Wheels will continue to be delivered to the homebound.
- All Franklin Park schools, all Park District facilities and the Franklin Park Library are closed.
Please continue to adhere to guidance on practicing social distancing if you go outdoors and to follow hand washing protocols. We ask for your patience during this time as Village staff works to respond to your inquiries and non-emergency needs as quickly as possible as some may be working alternating or modified work schedules.
We will continue regular updates through our website, Facebook and emails.
Steps to Prevent the Spread of Viruses
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Some infected people may not yet be experiencing symptoms.
Do your part not to spread the illness. Take actions to prevent the spread including practicing social distancing.
What is Social Distancing?
- Maintain a distance of 6 feet with others in public
- Attempt to work from home and avoid public transportation
- Do not be near anyone who is sneezing or coughing
- Decline handshakes and direct contact.
All of us play an important role in preventing the spread of coronavirus. By following these commonsense steps, we can limit the spread.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Wash your hands before eating, after eating, after blowing your nose, after coughing or sneezing and especially when using a public lavatory and after commuting on public transit
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands
- Don’t share eating utensils, beverage glasses or cosmetics
- Clean and disinfect surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information about the symptoms and transmission of the virus, as well as at the following: