Joliet Coronavirus: Mayor Declares State Of Emergency

JOLIET, IL — Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk declared a local state of emergency Monday afternoon and at a City Hall press conference shared several measures being implemented to keep residents of the state's third largest city safe amid concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus.

On Monday, public health officials confirmed that Will County has its first confirmed coronavirus case. However, health department officials were not releasing where the man is being hospitalized or his hometown.

Meanwhile, Illinois' number of coronavirus patients jumped by 27 since Saturday, with a total of 99 patients statewide who have tested positive.

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The city has enacted the following plan "for the potential of a widespread pandemic within our community."

• State of Emergency. The Mayor's Office is declaring a local state of emergency in accordance with city codes. The declaration will allow flexibility in rule making and financial expenditures that may become necessary.
• Public Meetings. Joliet's decision to hold or cancel meetings will be based upon a determination of need: 4:30 p.m. March 16 Public Service Committee will be held as scheduled; March 16 Pre-Council. Canceled; March 17 Finance Committee: will be held at 5:30 p.m. as scheduled; March 17 Public Safety Committee: will be at 6 p.m. as scheduled; March 17 City Council Meeting: will be at 6:30 p.m. as scheduled. However, the public hearings scheduled for the March 17 council meeting will be conducted at a later date, the city noted. The city will not be voting on the NorthPoint Development project on Tuesday night. That item has been removed from the meeting agenda and will be rescheduled for a later date.
• City Staff. Precautions are being taken to identify staff who may be placed upon split shifts or work remotely to minimize public service risk should the COVID-19 virus infect staff members.
• Senior Resources Assistance to Quarantined Individuals. Joliet is examining what resources may be tapped to aid with senior citizens or people who may become quarantined.
• Utility Billing/Fines. To encourage online payment of city bills or fines during the state of emergency, Joliet will now provide a credit for credit card service charges incurred in paying a bill. Late fees will be waived during the state of emergency period.
• Water Shutoffs. To maintain health and sanitation during the state of emergency period, all water shutoffs will be suspended.
• Facilities & Operation. The city intends to continue operations at all city facilities. Extraordinary cleaning of public areas is being conducted and social distancing will be implemented for those visiting the facilities.
• Restaurants & Bars. The governor has mandated restaurants and bars across Illinois are to be closed from Monday evening, March 16 until March 30. Joliet will ensure this mandatory closure is followed. The ban does not apply to delivery of food, or drive-up/drive-through orders.
• Coronavirus Communications:" A bilingual resource page is on the City website pertaining to the coronavirus. This page will be used for community updates and information pertaining to the pandemic. It is likely Joliet will continue to arrange for press conferences.

"Although the COVID-19 outbreak has created much anxiety and uncertainty, please remember we are a community," the mayor noted in Monday's press release. "Follow common sense measures as recommended by the CDC and health departments. Look out for your neighbors, friends and family. We will get through this."

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