Naperville Declares State Of Emergency Amid Coronavirus Concerns

NAPERVILLE, IL — The city of Naperville has declared a state of emergency amid coronavirus concerns and closures. City council voted unanimously Tuesday to extend the declaration until April 21.

In a statement, Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico said, "The declaration of a local emergency is a procedural tool many communities are using to aid in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak and related closures. I acknowledge that the events of the past few weeks have been disconcerting to many, but I urge Naperville citizens to remain calm and follow the advice of health experts. The City has plans in place to ensure that we can continue delivering critical city services, and I am confident that we will get through this situation together and come out stronger as a community in the end."

According to a press release from Naperville spokesperson Linda LaCloche, the declaration will help the city as it deals with "emerging issues." These could include "allowing grocery deliveries outside of standard times, waiving electric and water cut offs, and extending liquor license renewals." Naperville officials say the declaration will also allow the city to apply for "reimbursement for certain expenditures related to the disaster" in the future if such an option is made available.

Additionally, Naperville is closing city buildings to the public effective Wednesday through March 30. City employees will be working with a "modified structure" that includes some employees working remotely.

In the meantime officials added that the Naperville Police and Fire Departments would continue to handle emergencies and "remain ready to respond to any call for service or situation that may develop," according to the press release.

Chirico added, "It’s times like this that truly test the character of a community, and I have no doubt that Naperville will rise to the occasion."