Due to the recent and continuing outbreak of the Coronavirus, all states are taking precautions to ensure safety. Although, states are doing it differently.

Illinois is responding to the pandemic with stay-at-home orders and closings. Illinois is required to practice social distancing, meaning people should stay home unless they need to go out for essential reasons. The state has been under a stay-at-home order for seven weeks and will continue to be under one until May 30. Face coverings are required when going to stores. Illinois also hopes to reopen the state through phases. We are currently in the beginning of phase 2.

As there have been in Illinois, numerous cases of the Coronavirus have been confirmed in Wisconsin. They are encouraging citizens to keep up with daily hygiene and to wear tight covering face masks. Since they are in a short supply of face masks, they are also encouraging social distancing. Wisconsin has an extended stay-at-home order until May 26. Non-essential businesses are closed and gatherings outside of individual households are barred. Penalties for not following these rules could result in 30 days in jail, a $250 fine, or both. They plan to ease restrictions gradually in what they call the “Badger Bounce Back.”

Unlike Wisconsin and Illinois, the state of Florida had a slow response to the Coronavirus. Florida is the third biggest state in the U.S., leaving it at high risk. The Governor let beaches stay open during spring break and did not issue a stay-at-home order until April 1. These delays may have made things worse as Florida experienced an increasingly rapid number of cases. Although they were slow to mandate stay-at-home, Florida now ranks in the lowest of states aggressively fighting the Coronavirus. Small businesses will most likely suffer but the state plans to ease open.

Although states are taking different approaches to the Coronavirus, some states have followed much of what Illinois has done. Like Illinois, Florida and Wisconsin are both under a stay-at-home order and have plans to slowly reopen the states. Although, in the beginning, Florida was slow to respond. Each state responds differently, but all are fighting the same fight. To help fight Coronavirus remember to practice social distancing, wash your hands, and wear a mask. Stay safe everyone.