COVID-19 FAQs
This page contains a list of frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 and the "Stay at Home" order for Illinois residents.
GENERAL ´STAY AT HOME' INFO
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on March 20 announced a “Stay at Home" order for Illinois residents to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The order began at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21 and lasts until the Disaster Proclamation issued by Gov. Pritzker expires on Sunday, May 31. If Gov. Pritzker reissues the Disaster Proclamation, the order may go back into effect.
The "stay at home" order is a critical intervention to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep the public safe, while also providing relief to the healthcare system. While this news may seem a bit alarming, taking action right now to maximize social distancing and restrict people from gathering is the best way to fight the virus and save lives.
Yes, this order is mandatory. To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in Illinois and protect our friends, neighbors and vulnerable populations, please stay home.
It is the responsibility of Tinley Park residents to adhere to this order and do their part to help prevent the further spread of this virus and save lives. Law enforcement officials will not stop residents who are on their way to or from work, or who are out for necessities. People gathering in groups of 10 or more may be asked to social distance or go home.
No. The Illinois National Guard will be supporting logistics, transportation and medical response efforts.
Social distancing requires that residents be at least six feet away from others at all times. The Stay at Home order requires that residents remain in their homes unless they have an essential job or are doing an essential task. While both measures are meant to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they do this in different ways.
WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN'T DO
All essential services will remain open, including:
- Emergency services and other essential government services
- Hospitals, healthcare and public health operations
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, corner stores and all other stores that sell groceries and medicine
- Laundry services
- Restaurants for consumption off-premises
- Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation, including bike shops
- Transportation, for purposes of essential travel
- Financial institutions
- Hardware and supply stores
- Organizations that provide charitable and social services
- Media
- Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery and pick-up services
A full list can be found in the executive order or at coronavirus.illinois.gov.
If you're feeling sick, call your doctor, a nurse hotline, any telehealth hotline set up specifically for COVID-19 (check with your insurance company) or an urgent care center. If you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provided by your physician. Do not go to an emergency room unless necessary. Nonessential medical care like eye exams and teeth-cleaning should be postponed. When possible, healthcare visits should be done remotely. Contact your healthcare provider to see what tele-health services they provide.
Yes. Many of Tinley Park's local restaurants have remained open for delivery and curbside pick-up so that you don't have to miss out on any meals. Please consider ordering out to help support these businesses during this difficult time. Find a list of Tinley Park restaurants that are still open at TinleyPark.org/OpenEats.
For your safety and the safety of others in your community, you should remain at home to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
No. The order restricts all gatherings of 10 or more individuals and does not contain an exemption for religious services, so they are not permitted. Many religious organizations, however, have remote services that you can attend from home. Check with your local church for more information.
Yes. Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses that will remain open. However, if you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provided by your physician.
No, the roads will not be closed in Tinley Park or in Illinois. However, you should only travel if it is essential to your work or health.
State-operated developmental centers, intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities, and community integrated living arrangements will continue to provide care. All in-home direct care staff are considered essential staff and should continue to support individuals in the home setting.
Unless your work is an essential function (i.e. healthcare provider, grocery store clerk, first responder), you should stay home. If you have been designated essential by your employer, you should continue to go to work and practice social distancing. If you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provided by your physician.
COVID-19 FAQS
COVID-19, which stands for “Coronavirus Disease 2019,” is a pandemic of respiratory disease that can spread from person-to-person and is caused by a novel (new) coronavirus.
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Fever, cough and shortness of breath can appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
There is currently no approved FDA treatment or cure for COVID-19. According to Dr. Mathew S. Philip M.D. of DuPage Medical Group, the illness is generally mild for most people and can be safely managed at home. Testing is only indicated for individuals who are at risk of serious illness, like people age 60 and older, and/or those with underlying medical conditions. “It’s important that we follow these testing guidelines to protect healthcare workers and avoid spreading the virus in our communities,” Philip said. “Everyone, regardless of whether they have symptoms, should practice social distancing and good hand hygiene.”
Dr. Mathew S. Philip M.D. of DuPage Medical Group recommends answering the following questions to determine if you need to be tested:
Question 1: Are you having symptoms like fever (over 100.4), cough or difficulty breathing?
If YES: Please answer Question #2.
If NO: Testing is not needed. If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, stay home and monitor symptoms for 14 days.
Question 2: Are your symptoms severe?
If YES: Call your doctor or 911.
If NO: Please answer Question #3.
Question 3: Are you age 60 or older, and/or do you have an underlying medical condition like diabetes, cancer or heart disease?
If YES: Contact your doctor to determine if testing is needed.
IF NO: Testing is not needed. Stay home for seven days from symptom onset, and 72 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms improve (whichever is longer) to avoid getting anyone else sick.
Wash your hands often, avoid close contact, stay home if you’re sick, cove your coughs and sneezes, and wear a facemask if you’re sick. Learn more about how to protect yourself on the CDC website.