Dear friends, 

To continue our progress in containing the spread of COVID-19, Gov. JB Pritzker announced he will extend and modify the Stay at Home Order through the end of May.

This modification is an effort to give Illinoisans more flexibility while maintaining social distancing—under the new Stay at Home Order, you may be able to spend more time outside, reopen your business or even return to work.

Here are some changes you can expect to see beginning May 1:

Face coverings will be required in public indoor spaces.

Beginning May 1, individuals over the age of 2 will be required to wear face coverings in public indoor spaces where they can’t maintain six feet of social distance, including grocery stores. The modified order will also include occupancy limits for essential businesses.

You’ll have more options for outdoor activities.

State parks will begin a phased reopening in May, and fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. Golf will also be permitted, as long as golfers respect strict safety guidelines and social distancing measures.

Some businesses will reopen.

Greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries, as well as animal grooming services, will be allowed to reopen as essential businesses. Non-essential retail stores may reopen to fulfill curbside pickup and delivery orders. However, these businesses must follow social distancing guidelines and require customers and employees to wear face coverings.

 If you return to work, you’ll be safer.

NAPERVILLE – Every April, individuals and organizations across the nation recognize the importance of volunteering. State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging local residents to help give back to the community during this public health crisis by volunteering.

“Volunteering has been absolutely crucial during this uncertain time,” Ellman said. “You can safely maintain social distancing guidelines while helping your local communities. Help of any kind has and will continued to be valued by the individuals working on the front lines of this pandemic.”

NAPERVILLE – Thursday, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced the launch of a $1.2 million plan to increase its services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“During this uncertain time when all Illinoisans are expected to stay home, many don’t have a home that is safe to stay in,” Ellman said. “Unfortunately, domestic violence is a reality that many experience, or fear they will experience due to the Stay at Home Order. Survivors need to know help is available.”.

The plan expands the role of the Domestic Violence Helpline by creating a one-stop access point for shelter needs. Survivors may call the Helpline directly at 1-877-TO END DV (1-877-863-6338 voice or 1-877-863-6339 TTY) and be connected to shelter through existing Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention (DVPI) shelter services or to emergency shelter through available hotels and motels. Survivors also may contact their local domestic violence programs for shelter assistance.

In addition, DVPI providers will receive a three-month advance of their current grant to support continuations of services and respond to the needs of domestic violence survivors, such as hotels, emergency supplies, transportation, food, technology supports and other related services.

IDHS will provide the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault with a grant advance to enhance the capacity of local rape crisis centers statewide to aid sexual assault survivors. The agency also will advance grant funds to Partner Abuse Intervention Program grantees for program costs related to COVID-19. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.CoronaVirus.Illinois.Gov .

Other available resources highlighted by Senator Ellman include:

• Family Shelter Service (DuPage County) www.familyshelterservice.org (630) 469-5650 HOTLINE

• Guardian Angel Community Services (Will County) www.gacsprograms.org/groundwork (815) 729-1228 HOTLINE

• National Domestic Violence Hotline www.thehotline.org (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

• Naperville Police Department https://www.naperville.il.us/services/naperville-police-department/community-education-and-crime-prevention/domestic-violence-resources/d

NAPERVILLE – With Illinois’ Stay at Home Order extended through April 30, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is sharing mental health resources with residents.  

“Staying physically and mentally health is imperative in this challenging time,” Ellman said. “If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or other problems, there are resources available to help.”  

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Wheaton can be reached at 630-752-0066 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.   Senator Ellman encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as: ​