Illinois COVID-19 Updates
Date
Title
Jan 19, 2021
Today’s update discusses Illinois’ move into Phase 1B of vaccine rollout, some regions moving from Tier 3 to Tier 2, Chicago extending the stay at home order, multiple Illinois schools returning to in-person learning, Sangamon County Judge deciding in favor of Governor Pritzker, and lawyers asking state’s highest court to decide lawfulness of Illinois’ indoor dining ban
Nov 24, 2020
Today’s update discusses Chicago mayor issuing non-mandatory stay-at-home advisory, governor extending eviction moratorium, potential existing for another statewide stay-at-home order, Chicago planning vaccine distribution to high-risk individuals, Illinois residents’ continuing problem with scamming from Illinois Department of Employment Services breach, Illinois teacher union requesting Governor close school buildings, Southern District of Illinois order cancelling federal trials until January, Sangamon County judge’s ruling that Governor has authority to mandate public health measures in schools, Illinois Supreme Court agreeing to combine more lawsuits challenging indoor dining bans with existing cases in Sangamon County, Geneva restaurant taking its lawsuit against Governor to Illinois Supreme Court, and Democratic leaders cancelling upcoming fall session
Nov 05, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses all Illinois regions facing tighter COVID-19 restrictions, Chicago Mayor’s meeting with the governor, Governor giving Illinois State Police go-ahead to ramp up random checks, IHSA defying governor and IPDH’s guidance regarding basketball, Chicago funding Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, new COVID-19 vaccine looking for adult testers,
Kane County judge granting restaurant’s request for temporary restraining order, Illinois Supreme Court issuing two more COVID-19-related orders, Representative Bailey seeking to hold Governor Pritzker in contempt of court, McHenry County judge denying a request for a temporary restraining order, and Park Ridge restaurants facing noncompliance fines and warning
Oct 22, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses new restrictions starting in various Illinois regions, Governor Pritzker restarting daily COVID-19 briefings, Lake County Health Department recommending virtual learning, Chicago Public Schools bringing some students back for in-person learning, students at Chicago Public Schools petitioning for less screen time during e-learning, Chicago’s travel order being updated, IDPH issuing guidelines for upcoming holidays, and various cases against Governor Pritzker facing potential dismissal in Sangamon County
Oct 13, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses a lawsuit being filed against the IHSA, secondary exposure lawsuits being filed, Nationwide Insurance facing a class action lawsuit, Winnebago County’s Health Department receiving a cease and desist letter, restaurants working to maintain outdoor dining during fall and winter, Aurora hosting a pop-up food pantry, multiple counties reaching warning level, and Region Four moving back into Phase Four
Sep 22, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Governor Pritzker announcing distribution of pandemic-related funds, students protesting to allow sports to resume, 24 counties hitting warning level for COVID-19 cases, Chicago issuing guidelines for fall and winter outdoor dining, Illinois reaching COVID-19 testing milestone,
federal judge denying request for preliminary injunction on mail-in voting, Illinois Supreme Court deciding to hold its September term in person, and Bradley University students returning to campus for in-person learning
Sep 10, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses state being approved to participate in Lost Wage Assistance Program, Region 4’s restrictions being increased, Chicago’s continuing COVID-19 responses (including business closures, travel order, and Teachers’ Union actions), undergraduates at Urbana-Champaign’s U of I campus being put on lockdown, Court of Appeals upholding Governor’s right to limit size of gatherings, and State Supreme Court issuing orders on court appearances, fees, and summonses
Aug 27, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses bar/restaurant patrons being required to wear face coverings, stricter restrictions being imposed on Region 7, license renewals being extended for over 75 age group, mortgage assistance and small-business programs being launched, Chicago’s travel order continuing, Chicago businesses being closed for violating safety guidelines, Chicago creating a winter outdoor dining contest, U of I beginning vaccine clinical trials, some Chicago schools altering in-person learning status, and new ruling on ongoing saga of prisoner housing
Aug 20, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Region 4 facing tighter restrictions, some higher education institutions requiring students to sign liability waivers, Chicago Public Schools releasing remote learning plan, congressman asking FDA to temporarily ban vaping,
Illinois among top seven states reporting rare childhood syndrome linked to COVID-19, state launching new COVID-19 hotspots map,
state utilizing new saliva-based test, and school mask mandate being upheld in court
Aug 14, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses law enforcement receiving mixed messages on ability to transfer inmates, Governor initiating ad campaign to encourage wearing of masks, numerous lawsuits against Governor (from bowling to schools) get varying responses from courts, assaulting a merchant who’s enforcing healthcare protocols carries aggravated battery charge, Chicago Republicans challenging vote-by-mail program, and Joint Committee on Administrative Rules supporting the governor
Jul 30, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Thomas DeVore speaking out about taking local officials to court, DeVore asking Illinois General Assembly to reconvene, Attorney General asking Illinois Supreme Court to transfer/consolidate cases against Governor, Chicago adding four more states to its travel order, some Illinois schools changing course on in-person learning, Chicago Public Schools wanting feedback on preliminary reopening plan, Governor warning that reversal in the state’s reopening is possible, and Chicago Mayor announcing $33 million fund for housing grants
Jul 23, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Governor extending eviction moratorium, Representative Bailey’s lawsuit against Governor being put on hold, Governor seeking judge’s approval for mask mandate in schools, Illinois Supreme Court approving rule changes to eviction proceedings, Illinois Supreme Court denying law students’ petition to cancel bar exam, Chicago Mayor reinforcing COVID-19 restrictions, Chicago’s travel order adding yet another state, Region Four in Southern Illinois hitting “warning level” as cases continue to increase, ICJIA distributing $7.1 million, and Chicago Public Schools seeking input on preliminary school re-opening guidelines
Jul 16, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Governor Pritzker’s “resurgence” plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19, McHenry County’s remote appearance option for petty traffic citations, Attorney Thomas DeVore’s lawsuit against the IHSA on behalf of his children, the Illinois Bowling Association’s lawsuit against Governor Pritzker’s restrictions on indoor gatherings, Chicago Teachers Union’s call for remote learning to continue through the fall, and
Chicago’s updated travel order for anyone visiting from or returning from 17 different states with a spike in COVID-19 cases
Jul 14, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois judicial update discusses the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of Governor Pritzker in Illinois GOP's lawsuit,
confusion resulting from Clay County Judge’s Order in Representative Darren Bailey’s lawsuit against Governor Pritzker, the Cook County Sheriff filing a motion to compel Illinois Department of Corrections to take custody of inmates again, and a couple in Clay County suing Illinois State Board of Education on behalf of their children
Jul 14, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses creation of Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force, Governor expediting portion of Coronavirus Relief Fund to local governments, Chicago travel order for anyone traveling from high-risk states, and Chicago Mayor’s announcement of $56 million grant for contact tracing
Jun 30, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses criteria required for the state to move to Phase Five; delays in issuing marijuana growth, infusion, and transportation licenses; Lincoln Park Zoo officially reopened; cancellation of the Will County Fair; Chicago’s enactment of the “Fair Workweek”; and Representative Bailey’s lawsuit against Governor Pritzker remanded to Clay County Court
Jun 25, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lightfoot issuing Phase Four Guidelines; the
Governor issuing statewide guidance for reopening schools; new laws bringing changes to voting procedures; a municipality, landlords, and a right to life group all suing the Governor for exceeding his authority; Lake County finding a creative solution to begin performing civil marriage ceremonies again; a Cook County judge finding several Chicago McDonald’s restaurants failed to adequately protect employees from exposure to COVID-19; “Together Now” grants bringing economic relief to Chicago small businesses and nonprofits; and Chicago expanding testing centers
Jun 18, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Illinois Manufacturers’ Association joining IEMA and FEMA to provide masks to businesses, agreement made with ICC regarding utility consumer protections after shut-off moratorium ends, U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling on church service restrictions, Illinois GOP filing lawsuit GOP against Governor, Governor cancelling Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs, Chicago’s Millennium Park reopening with restrictions, Chicago officials adjusting metrics for city to move into Phase 4, and Governor’s announcement of a $900 million aid program
Jun 11, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the Governor’s refusal to move the state into Phase 4 early, uncertainty about reopening schools, cash assistance for Chicago residents, shortfalls in Chicago’s economy, and the cancellation of many Chicago events
Jun 09, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the criteria to move to Phase 4, the Chicago Mayor’s launch of the “Together Now” initiative, Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program allocations, online job training for unemployed Illinois residents, the Chicago Lakefront reopening, and a Cook County Circuit Court judge's denial of a McDonald’s motion to dismiss in a COVID-19-related lawsuit
Jun 04, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the Chicago economy reopening despite protests and riots, new Executive Orders issued by Governor Pritzker as the state enters Phase 3, the U.S. Supreme Court's denial of two Chicago area churches’ requests for relief from restrictions on worship, more courthouses across the state reopening, and activists and elected officials asking Mayor Lightfoot to consider not using private contractors for contact tracing
May 29, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Governor Pritzker’s issuance of safety guidelines for worship, the state’s response in the United States Supreme Court opposing two churches’ petition related to violation of constitutional rights, five churches withdrawing their lawsuit after Governor Pritzker relaxes restrictions on churches, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association's lawsuit against the Governor and Department of Corrections for failure to accept transfer of offenders, an emergency rule requiring long-term care facilities to test employees and residents, Chicago’s announcement that Phase 3 will begin June 3, and Illinois courts reopening
May 28, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses encouraging veterans through “Operation Rising Spirit,” the U.S. Supreme Court ordering Governor Pritzker to respond by tonight to churches’ appeal that executive order violates First Amendment, a new legal challenge to Governor’s authority to issue stay-at-home orders, a temporary restraining order issued in favor of a tanning salon owner, Cook County Circuit Court plans to reopen in early July, the cancellation of Monroe County Fair for first time in 73 years, and some business-specific reminders as state moves to Phase 3 on May 29
May 27, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Springfield businesses facing cease and desist orders for reopening early, Chicago Mayor’s industry-specific rules for reopening, the decision of the federal district court in Chicago to postpone jury trials until August, an Illinois Representative planning to seek a recall of Governor Pritzker, and some good news from Governor Pritzker as the state’s COVID-19 data trends downward
May 26, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses amendments to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules, new industry-specific guidelines for Phase 3, and the Cook County Jail’s response to the spread of COVID-19 among inmates and officers
May 22, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the Illinois House of Representatives’ vote-by-mail plan, the impact of COVID-19 on the Illinois agriculture industry, Chicago’s reopening plan, and
Increased mental health services for Chicago residents
May 21, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the removal of a representative from yesterday’s special legislative session, the
Governor’s attempt to remove a lawsuit to federal court, Illinois moving into Phase 3, an attempt to ease issues with unemployment benefits, launch of pilot online purchasing program for SNAP benefits, and more testing sites to open
May 20, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the Governor's withdrawal of an emergency rule, salons and other non-essential businesses to reopen fully at end of May, Chicago Teachers Union sues U.S. Secretary of Education, and rent relief bills proposed in Illinois legislature
May 19, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the statewide contact tracing initiative, the Governor’s warning to residents defying the statewide stay-at-home order, Chicago Mayor's warning to churches, and topics the state GOP wants to discuss this week
May 18, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the Governor creating a rule that criminalizes defiance of the state’s stay-at-home order, an Illinois representative threatening an attempted recall of the Governor due to problems with IDES website, Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago filing a lawsuit for the state’s unpaid Medicaid bills, and continued monitoring of data to reopen state’s economy
May 15, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses that the state might be ready to move to Phase 3 of Governor’s five-phase plan, a new website to help unemployed residents, and a legislators' amended lawsuit against Governor Pritzker
May 14, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses plans for General Assembly to reconvene, Governor’s response to counties defying his stay-at-home order, Governor and Archdioceses agree on multi-phase reopenings, and judge denies churches' request for temporary restraining order
May 13, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Madison County’s decision to reopen, the Governor's call for the General Assembly to reconvene, DCEO grants for infrastructure projects, and more lawsuits filed against Governor Pritzker
May 12, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses shift in state's COVID-19 “peak,” state receiving shipment of remdesivir, Madison County scheduling vote on reopening, Illinois Supreme Court declining immediate ruling on lawsuit, continued economic impact in the state, and Chicago Mayor’s plans to enforce the stay-at-home order
May 11, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses another lawsuit filed against Governor Pritzker, dentists now allowed to perform routine dental care, and more testing sites to open in Chicago
May 08, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses new lawsuits being filed against the Governor, the Chicago Mayor’s reopening plan, a new unemployment call center, IDPH’s draft recommendations for the General Assembly, and the state’s test positivity rate
May 07, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Chicago’s reopening plan,
Illinois’ economic shortages, the fight to get the legislature to reconvene, and a proposed measure for personal protective equipment
May 06, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the state's loss of gas tax revenue, more information on the five-phase reopening plan, and the
Village of Schaumburg giving residents free masks
May 05, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Governor Pritzker’s five-phase plan to reopen the state’s economy
May 04, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the state's 2,000+ newly reported cases and Judge holds Governor’s order does not violate religious freedom
May 01, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the Governor’s new stay-at-home order, a new lawsuit against Governor Pritzker, and a push for contact tracing
Apr 30, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses webinars to help guide businesses through new Executive Order, hundreds of thousands of free masks being donated to Chicago residents by a nonprofit, and more about the second lawsuit over the Governor's new Executive Order
Apr 29, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses another record daily high of COVID-19-related deaths, a second GOP state representative files suit against Pritzker, and a decrease in jobs across the state
Apr 28, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the judicial ruling on Governor’s stay-at-home order, Workers’ Compensation Commission creating a COVID-19 task force, and the
Governor addressing downstate Illinois residents
Apr 27, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses Workers’ Compensation Commission rescinds COVID-19 emergency rule, number of positive cases in state increases, unofficial preview of new Executive Order released, and Illinois Supreme Court limits freezes on personal bank accounts
Apr 27, 2020
HeplerBroom's second Illinois update for today discusses the outcome of a lawsuit filed against Governor Pritzker for the extension of the statewide stay-at-home order and Pritzker’s response to the Judge’s order
Apr 24, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses issuance of a temporary restraining order against the Workers’ Compensation Commission,
details on the extended stay-at-home order, a lawmaker’s lawsuit against the Governor, the Department of Justice’s allocation of funds in Northern Illinois, and the Chicago Mayor’s attempt at spending measures to fight the pandemic
Apr 23, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois updates discusses Governor Pritzker’s extended and revised stay-at-home order, a new daily high COVID-19 case count, and
another Chicago suburb requiring residents to wear face masks in public
Apr 22, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the employer/business community filing a petition for a Temporary Restraining Order against the Illinois' Worker’s Compensation Commission, a possible extension of the state's stay-at-home order, and more areas requiring citizens to wear face coverings in public
Apr 21, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses IEPA's launch of a COVID-19 website, local and possible state-wide requirements to wear face masks in public, and testing in long-term care facilities
Apr 20, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the Department of Public Health’s view on COVID-19 case status in the state, Governor’s consideration of when to rescind the statewide stay-at-home order, and the Illinois Senate President’s request for federal money to help the state recover economically
Apr 17, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses schools being closed for the remainder of the school year, 6 Midwest governors joining forces to coordinate reopening, and a change in testing eligibility guidelines
Apr 16, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses state’s projected economic shortfall, an alternative housing program in Cook County, and
conditions for lifting social distancing restrictions
Apr 15, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses a new Executive Order suspending all post judgement debt collection efforts for the duration of the Disaster Proclamations
Apr 14, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses workers' compensation eligibility for COVID-19 exposure and the undecided expansion of the stay-at-home order
Apr 13, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the state's latest predicted monetary losses and the projected peak in deaths and resource uses
Apr 10, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update includes information on the Governor’s optimism about bending the curve and IDOT size and weight limits for cargo transported via trucks
Apr 09, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update includes information on Chicago's curfew on liquor sales
Apr 08, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update includes information on the expected upcoming peak in cases and a rise in number of cases and deaths
Apr 07, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update includes information on the upcoming holidays, the furlough of prisoners, and public assistance requirements
Apr 06, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update includes information on the expansion of child care benefits to essential workers, the challenges of social distancing in closed populations, and various state agencies working to keep residents informed
Apr 03, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update includes information on Illinois Department of Labor’s decision on the WARN Act, Illinois EPA’s work response, the definition of essential manufacturing businesses, and
Illinois Department of Revenue announcement regarding income tax returns
Apr 02, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the Governor's Executive Orders
Apr 01, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update discusses the Governor's additional Executive Order
Mar 30, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update provides information on the Illinois Manufacturers' Association's plans for an online webinar on how employers can respond to COVID-19
Mar 27, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update includes information on waivers of the One Day in Seven Rest Act and an extension of the filing deadline for state tax returns
Mar 27, 2020
HeplerBroom's Illinois update includes information on unemployment claims and a declaration of a major disaster
Mar 25, 2020
HeplerBroom attorneys have assembled some of the executive, legislative, and regulatory actions Illinois has taken related to COVID-19.