Mayor Warns Residents Flouting Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Mayor Nancy Rotering told those upset about people violating Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order to call the police.

Rotering said she had been fielding calls from frustrated residents reporting non-essential gatherings around town. In a social media post Monday, the mayor also disclosed someone with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis had gone to a local grocery store.

Highland Park has the most detected coronavirus cases in Lake County, according to the health department.

"Not a proud moment," Rotering said.

As of Monday afternoon, more than 50 of the county's 325 cases were Highland Park residents. Only Lake Forest had a higher per capita rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Public health officials said people who live in towns with higher infection rates could have better access to health care and coronavirus testing or could be more likely to have recently traveled to a hot spot for the virus.

Rotering told Patch residents of all ages have been violating the governor's order.

"We had a grandfather yell at one of our police yesterday that he was 'a joke,'" she said. "One would expect that people who are older and more at risk would understand the consequences greater, but apparently it's everybody."

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The mayor reminded residents that social gatherings are a violation of the governor's order, which restricts non-essential activities and will remain in place until at least April 30.

"Hanging out with friends is not essential business," Rotering said. "Four guys on St. John's — you were seen and photographed. Group of friends on Thackeray — you were reported. Group on Comstock — you were reported. Person who is known to have a positive diagnosis who went to the grocery store — why are you infecting everyone else?"

Rotering did not specify which grocery store was involved. She said the visit took place around March 20 and she learned of it on Monday night. The mayor described the behavior as "unconscionable."

Highland Park police have not yet issued any citations for violations of the order as of Monday afternoon, according to Deputy Chief Jon Lowman. Those seeking to report violators may call the police non-emergency number.

Starting Tuesday, the city began more aggressive enforcement. Rotering said there will be as-yet undetermined financial penalties for those found to be violation of the governor's order.

As mayor during a public health emergency, Rotering has the power to issue curfew orders banning people from leaving their homes. That option has been discussed in conversations between municipal leaders and the governor's office, Rotering said, but she would prefer to use it.

"Everything's on the table at this point. I would hate for us to have to get to that point," Rotering told Patch. "It seems to me like an unnecessary use of public safety personnel to have to enforce what people already know are the rules. They just need to follow the rules. It's pretty straightforward"

Rotering thanked health care workers and everyone complying with the governor's order by staying home. She said violators have been warned.

"And if you see one of these groups, ask them why the rest of us don't matter. Why our time is less important than theirs. Why we have to keep doing this because they don't care. Then call the police," she told residents. "That may be the only way to get through."

Earlier: Health Department Releases Map Of Lake County Coronavirus Cases