Today’s update explains an important addition to the stay-at-home order extended by Executive Order to the end of April 2020, the Governor’s current thoughts on a travel ban, and an additional Executive Order related to liability for injuries sustained when being treated for COVID-19.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
The Governor has signed a number of Executive Orders since the COVID-19 outbreak began. In these unprecedented times, the Governor has issued more Executive Orders than other recent Illinois governors issued in their entire term of office.
On April 1, 2020, the Governor extended the stay-at-home order, as reported here previously. While the extended order contains the same provisions as the original order, it also includes a new provision prohibiting any price increases for any medical equipment, medicines, supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) used to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
PERSONAL LIBERTY
Those concerned about personal liberty will find comfort in the Governor’s announcement concerning travel bans. As of April 1, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced that he has no plans to invoke a travel ban. In particular, he does not plan to prevent residents of Illinois from leaving the state, nor does he plan to ban residents of other states from entering Illinois.
HEALTH CARE
On April 1, 2020, the Governor issued an Executive Order declaring Health Care Facilities, Health Care Professionals, and Health Care Volunteers immune from civil liability for any injury or death alleged to have been caused by any act or omission that occurred in response to the COVID-19 outbreak unless it is established that such injury or death was caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. Additionally, the order calls for the postponement or cancellation of elective surgeries. Postponing or canceling elective surgeries will provide additional space in healthcare facilities needed for COVID-19 patients, as well as allow more doctors and nurses to tend to those affected by the virus.