Coronavirus: Arlington Heights Mayor Advises Phased Reopenings

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Although the coronavirus pandemic is estimated to peak in Illinois in the coming weeks, Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes is advising residents not to expect doors from local businesses to fling open once Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order expires. During Monday's village board meeting, the village's first fully virtual meeting since the coronavirus pandemic began, Hayes said he anticipates businesses will reopen in phases based on information from Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

"But there is light at the end of the tunnel, I think, so we're very encouraged," Hayes said.

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Hayes credited Arlington Heights residents for complying with social distancing guidelines, which has helped to keep coronavirus-related statistics for the village relatively low.

As part of Gov. Pritzker's amended stay-at-home order, everyone in Illinois over the age of two must wear face coverings in certain public areas starting Friday. Hayes said the village will have the capability to enforce this new state order to the extent it can.

Arlington Heights Patch continues to write profiles of Arlington Heights-area businesses during the ongoing health crisis. Arlington Heights Patch has a simple online survey for local small businesses to fill out to let everyone know they are open and their current hours of operation. About a dozen Arlington Heights businesses have been added to Patch's list so far.

If you want to add your business to Arlington Heights Patch's list of open and closed businesses, you can do so here.