Coronavirus Updates and Information Resources

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced a statewide “Stay-at-Home” order, effective March 21, 2020, at 5 p.m. A modified order has been extended through the end of May 30, 2020. This action is meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to keep Illinois citizens safe and to avoid overtaxing the healthcare system.

• Read the Governors Modified Order effective May 1, 2020 here.
• Read the Governor’s Original Order effective March 21, 2020 here.
• Read the Governor's list of Frequently Asked Questions about the order here.

What does the Stay-at-Home Order Mean?

• Residents should stay in their homes as much as possible and stop non-essential social gatherings.
• There should be no gatherings of more than 10 people. (This is a change; previously no more than 50 was recommended.)
• Residents may still go out complete essential tasks, for example: go to the grocery store, doctor’s office, pharmacy; put gas in your car, etc. However, beginning May 1, individuals over age 2 will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can't maintain a six-foot social distance. 
• Residents can still take walks outside, but playgrounds are closed.
• All local roads, including the interstate highways and tollways, will remain open to traffic.
• All non-essential workers should stay home and work remotely when possible. Read the list of essential businesses here.

How Does this Apply to St. Charles?

• All residents should follow the Governor’s Order.
• Residents should continue to practice social distancing to help slow virus transmission. More information about preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the symptoms to watch for is at cdc.gov.
• Do not hoard groceries and supplies.
• The City of St. Charles will continue to provide essential services related to public health, safety and welfare.
• Our police and fire departments ask residents to only use 911 for true emergencies, and inform dispatchers of all symptoms you are having so they are prepared when arriving on scene.

The City of St. Charles remains open and will continue to serve the citizens of St. Charles with essential services related to public health, safety, and welfare. However, in accordance with the Governor’s Stay at Home Order to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the City is operating at reduced staffing levels. This means some non-essential services will be suspended temporarily. Read more.

State of IIlinois  

• Coronavirus.illinois.gov  provides updates, orders, FAQs, and more information for residents and businesses.
• Send questions, comments, recommendations regarding the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak to the Governor's Office at Gov.COVID19stakeholder@illinois.gov
• For health-related questions about COVID-19, call the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) coronavirus Hotline 1.800.889.3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov
•  Register and receive current information COVID-19 and updates from IDPH by texting COVID to 312-500-3836.
• To make PPE donations, email IDPH at donations@illinois.gov

Public Health & Safety Agencies

Visit these agencies' websites for information about coronavirus prevention, symptoms, outbreak trends, and the federal response.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Illinois Department of Public Health Coronavirus Updates 
• Kane County Health Department 

Help for Residents

To help residents struggling to pay their utility bill:

• The City is not assessing late fees at this time
• We have temporarily suspended disconnecting utility service
• We allow residents additional time to pay their bills once this crisis has stabilized.
• We encourages residents to contact our Utility Billing office (630.377.4426 or utilitybilling@stcharlesil.gov) to set up partial payments

Other agencies also may be able to provide energy payment assistance:

• Salvation Army: 630.377.2769
• LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program: 847.697.4400
• Kane County 211:  888.865.9903
• Kane County Treasurer Waives Late Fees

The Kane County Treasurer has waived late penalty fees for first installment of property tax payments made on or before July 1, 2020. More at www.kanecountytreasurer.org/Pages/press.aspx

Food Delivery for Seniors

• Meals on Wheels (Senior Services Associates) at 630.879.4035
• Local Salvation Army Drive Up Food Pantry 630.377.2769
• Northern Illinois Foodbank 630.443.6916

Other Community Organizations

The City encourages residents to seek information from the school district, park district, and other community agencies regarding their policies during this time.

Help for Small Businesses

The City works closely with the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and St. Charles Business Alliance, which have shared information and resources for small businesses to their constituents. We also have information on our Think St. Charles Economic Development site.

Restaurants & Bars

In accordance with Governor Pritzker's mandate, all restaurants and bars are closed for onsite consumption through May 30. Here are options for take out and delivery at local restaurants:

• St. Charles Business Alliance List
• St. Chamber of Commerce Restaurant List

Messages from Mayor Raymond P. Rogina

Mayor Rogina has provided regular updates on the coronavirus situation as it relates to St. Charles. Read and watch them here.

What Can You Do?