Elmhurst Coronavirus: How To Handle Violators

ELMHURST, IL — Because gatherings are prohibited, Elmhurst Alderman Scott Levin asked what residents should do if they see groups congregating. During this week's City Council meeting, he said two people called to ask him about the issue over the weekend.

Mayor Steve Morley said residents should call 911 if they see such gatherings, not confront the people directly.

"This doesn't mean we don't want you to go out and exercise. Certain types of exercise — pickup basketball games, for example — are not something that would follow the governor's executive order," Morley said.

Morley referred to a letter signed by himself and local park and school officials that authorities give to those who are gathering in violation of the governor's executive order. It is called a "cease and desist notice."

The letter says that the city is asking residents to comply with social distancing. "Your failure to comply may result in enforcement including civil and/or criminal liability," it says.

It is unclear what enforcement mechanism that the city could use. In an interview this week, Darien Police Chief Greg Thomas said his agency could find no effective way to enforce the executive order under existing state or city laws.

"We don't want our officers making arrests that aren't appropriate," Thomas said. "When they created the executive order, they didn't create a corresponding charge."

Read more:

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 26: 43,903 Cases; 1,933 Deaths

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