Stay-At-Home Order Takes Effect In Illinois In Fight Against Coronavirus

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's stay-at-home order took effect late Saturday afternoon in the fight against coronavirus.

The order took effect at 5 p.m.

Under the statewide "stay at home" order, people will still be able to go out to get food from the grocery, to get medical supplies from the pharmacy, to visit their doctor or healthcare provider, to fill up their car at the gas station, or to go for a run, hike, or walk with their dog as long as they practice social distancing. Pritzker also said many people will still be able to go to work.

Pritzker said people also can still go out to pick up meals at restaurants. However, he said he's also ordering non-essential businesses to stop operating, and said anyone who can work from home must do so.

The governor's order defines essential businesses as those that sell, process, or produce food, groceries, and medicine; charities or non-profits, including food banks and shelters; educational institutions; healthcare and public health organizations; human services operations; essential government functions and infrastructure; media outlets; gas stations, auto supply and repair shops, and other transportation facilities; banks, currency exchanges, and other financial institutions; hardware and supply stores; trades such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC, and other home and building maintenance services; mail and delivery operations; laundry services; business supply stores; public transportation and airports; home care services; residential facilities and hotels; legal services; manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain industries; and funeral services. However, the state's Pre-K through 12th grade schools remain subject to Pritzker's separate school closings order.

Not allowed are unnecessary trips; meetings and gatherings such as hanging out at the beach with friends and family; or visiting businesses that offer non-essential services such as clothing stores or hair salons.

City park facilities and public libraries are closed.

As the stay-at-home order went into effect, some Chicagoans brought together their voices rather than groups.

One Rogers Park apartment complex showed the effort in action - people in separate apartments belted out Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer," as so many got used to living under the stay-at-home order.

"This is a crazy time right now," said Alissa Holterman. It's unprecedented and I think we just all need to come together."

After 5 p.m., along the normally bustling Magnificent Mile, came the hustling of teams boarding up a store.

Most of the other hustle focused on food. Those who were not staying at home were staying for a time at grocery stores.

The pace may have slowed at nearby parks, with some running and walking for the first moments the order went into effect.

Many using common sense and caution have already been following the guidelines over the past several days, so not much will change for them.

"Not the end of the world – we just have to be socially responsible," said Bobby Rogers of the Gold Coast. "Like you said, at 5 o'clock, kind of have to just really stay in and just do essentials. So we're out here getting some air so we don't go stir-crazy; get our exercise in, and we just going to take it one day at a time."

And back in Rogers Park, the tempo at Le Piano jazz club on Glenwood Avenue changed dramatically.

Owner Chad Willetts has converted his now-shuttered business into a kind of makeshift factory, assembling disposable makeshift masks using deli paper and rubber bands.

He has made more than 700 over the last two days.

"They're not clinical. No one's going to do surgery with one of these on," Willetts said. "(They're) a deterrent in a public place that's going to be offered free of charge."

Willetts emphasized the masks are more for peace of mind than formal protection, but he is planning to have them available at nearby Rogers Park grocery stores.

Back at Holterman's apartment complex, the new home routine is settling in.

"Weekends are feeling harder for me," she said.

But for a moment, that chorus of "Living on a Prayer" from the windows proved to be a temporary escape from relative isolation.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Public Schools have closed through April 21. They, along with adults, have been reminded to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing.