Unique Memorial Day Weekend With Gathering Restrictions

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — It promises to be a Memorial Day weekend like no other with the State of Illinois still under Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic. Traditionally, large gatherings at public events like parades and fireworks displays are a big part of the holiday. That will not be the case this year as all are cancelled, but municipalities like Arlington Heights will be proactive in making sure people follow the rules and stay safe.

"We are expecting voluntary compliance by most, but will enforce the face covering and social distancing/gathering mandates and guidelines on a complaint and police officer observation basis throughout the weekend," Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes told Patch.

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With the state expected to move into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan on May 29, some rules with regard to people congregating will be eased. Gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed with social distancing practices still encouraged.

"Remember, in the phase that we're in now, in phase two, we don't have just anybody meeting in groups of 10 or less, right? It's meant for essential workers or in other circumstances that are required," Pritzker said Thursday. "But in the next phase really any group of 10 people can do it but again, it's the idea here is to make sure that we have — you know, safety is the uppermost concept in people's minds when they're getting together wear a face covering, keep social distance from one another, you know, and outside is always the best circumstance."

Hayes said the village and police are reminding residents and businesses that "although there is a light at the end of the tunnel," the state is still in Phase 2 of the plan this weekend and non-essential gatherings of any size other than household members is not permitted.

"Enjoy a safe, long holiday weekend that marks the beginning of summer, but most importantly, remember to honor our fallen military heroes who provided the freedoms we enjoy and now so dearly miss during the COVID-19 crisis," Hayes said.