Southern Illinois News

MOUND CITY – With Pulaski County now having 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19, local authorities have warned of arrests for those violating Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order.

The warnings came after reports surfaced of local residents forming gatherings outside two locations: an apartment complex and a convenience store. The warnings came from Pulaski County Sheriff Randy Kern and State’s Attorney Jim Flummer, who issued a joint press release.

The sheriff and state’s attorney identified a need to deal with large public gatherings of adults that are considered unlawful under the current health-related restrictions. Despite the gatherings being outdoors, participants are warned that they can still be arrested for violating stay-at-home orders.

However, adults aren’t the only problem. The press release also addressed minors out in public, which they consider to not be a violation of the limited exception to stay-at-home directives.

The news release warns that minors discovered out in public could face juvenile delinquency petitions. However, the legal guardian or custodian of a minor found in violation of restrictions could also face charges related to endangering the life or health of a child.

The first case of COVID-19 announced in the county on April 7 was later counted toward the total for another county after the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) discovered the individual had dual residency.

As of May 11, Illinois reported 79,007 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 3,459 deaths. Pulaski County has 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Under the executive order from Gov. J. B. Pritzker, Illinois residents are only permitted to leave their homes to travel to essential jobs or perform essential errands, such as to resupply. The order also permits people to leave their homes for purposes related to exercise as long as all social distancing requirements are met.

Teresa Kern, an administrative assistant for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, told The Southern Illinoisan that the gatherings raising concern included a low-income apartment complex. The Southern Illinoisan also reported that concerns have been raised over the effect of Pritzker's order on low-income residents.

Carlton Mayers is a senior policy manager for criminal justice reform with Heartland Alliance, a Midwest advocacy organization for people living in poverty and other vulnerable communities.

Mayers said the order lacks “specificity” to guide how law enforcement should respond to violations.