More than 70 million Americans now affected.
Illinois joined with California and New York late Friday in ordering all residents to stay in their homes unless they have vital reasons to go out. With the addition of Illinois, more than 70 million Americans are now restricted in their movements as the most sweeping measure undertaken yet in the U.S. to contain the coronavirus is employed.
The states’ governors each acted in an effort to hold back the onslaught that has caused health systems in southern Europe to buckle. The crackdowns encompass the three biggest cities in America: New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, as well as hitting number 8, San Diego, and number 14, San Francisco.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said that interstate highways, gas stations, grocery stores, and other essential services will not close.
“I want to address some of the rumors that have been running around,” Pritzker said. “Essential services will not close. Interstates, highways, and bridges will stay open. Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations — these sources of fundamental supplies will continue to operate.
“There is no need to run out and hoard food, gas or medicine,” he said. “Buy what you need, within reason. There is enough to go around as long as people do not hoard. We will never shut these services down.”
The governor said his staff has been working with grocery stores and retailers to implement senior shopping hours.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the Senate who will be working all weekend long to ready the massive stimulus package for a vote.
- For Senator McConnell as he leads the Senate through the morass of procedures in order to achieve a vote.
Sources: The Southern Illinoisan, ABC News
