Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Each state has its own laws when dealing with quarantine orders. There are also federal laws that lay out penalties for violating a quarantine order. These laws vary widely from one state to another. In some places, like Florida, you can be charged with a misdemeanor and face six months in county jail.
The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois have their own measures in place for meting out punishment for those who violate a quarantine order. In this article, we will take a look at what the law says about staying indoors during this difficult period.
All Sick People: Shelter in Place
This order came down from the Chicago Department of Health and was announced by Mayor Lori Lightfoot earlier this week. Anyone who has any kind of illness is being asked to shelter in place while showing symptoms.
In a strongly-worded statement, Lightfoot advised Chicagoans to remain in their homes, especially if they are sick. She also said that for those who go out in public while sick, there will be consequences.
The order merely states that anyone who is showing signs of the illness must “shelter in place” or stay at home while the quarantine is in place. Those to whom the order applies are restricted from going to work and are being asked to stay away from family members.
Who is Impacted?
The order applies to anyone who has tested positive for coronavirus, and since there are not many tests available at the moment, it also applies to those who have displayed any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Unusual fatigue
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Lung or sinus congestion
- Shortness of breath
In other words, anyone who is displaying the most common symptoms of the coronavirus is being asked to shelter in place.
But what happens to those who ignore the order and go to work instead of doing what is best for everyone? Well, these individuals will be facing fines.
Each violation will be fined somewhere between $100 and $500. Those who are caught out more than once will be ticketed twice for the same violation. The Chicago Police Department is responsible for enforcing the order.
So, I am Stuck Inside My House if I Have the Virus?
No. Even those who are displaying signs of the coronavirus may leave their home for “necessary clinical care or for essential life sustaining needs.” This allows those who have tested positive for the disease to go out to their doctor, get medication that has been prescribed, or to the grocery store to purchase food.
Officials still want those who are displaying symptoms of the virus to stay at home but recognize this will not be possible for everyone. The order is in place indefinitely.
Talk to a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing fines for being sick during the coronavirus, call the Chicago criminal defense attorney David Freidberg today at (312) 560-7100. While it may not be a serious issue, you do not want to necessarily plead guilty to it if you do not have to.
