Ideally you're already limiting your time out and about to the absolute necessities, but a new directive from the Illinois government aims to further cement that staying home is the best course of action at the moment. In a Monday afternoon press conference, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced all gatherings larger than 50 people—including gyms, theaters, bowling alleys and other recreational areas—must be canceled or closed in accordance with updated guidance on social distancing from the Centers for Disease Control and Protection.
Although it doesn't apply to sites for essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies, the mandate is a significant update from preventive steps taken last week. On March 12, Pritzker issued a recommendation for events with more than 250 attendees to be canceled or postponed, and for events larger than 1,000 people to be immediately canceled. Later than weekend, he also temporarily shut down dine-in services at restaurants and bars throughout Illinois.
You can keep up to date on the latest developments in Chicago with our ongoing list of event cancelations and venue closures