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What Does the Illinois “Stay-at-Home” Order Mean? (Plus, 6 Ways to Help Pass the Time)

Rear view of a young woman holding the curtains open to look out of a large window in her apartment


With Governor Pritker’s stay-at-home order issued over the weekend, many of our Oak Park Apartment residents are wondering exactly what that means.

According to official statements, all non-essential businesses must stop operating, including Chicago Park District buildings and libraries. Essential services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies and healthcare facilities will remain open, and residents may continue to go out and use them. Public transportation systems will also remain open, although the Metra has announced reduced service.

Outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking and running, are also fine, provided everyone maintains the recommended social distance of at least 6 feet. However, even small gatherings with people from different households are not permitted until the order is lifted, which is currently in effect until April 7.

Things to Do While You’re Stuck Inside

So, now that it looks like our Oak Park apartment residents will be spending a good deal of time indoors over the next week or so, here some things you can do to keep from going stir crazy.

Keep in Touch

Demanding schedules and full calendars can make it difficult to keep in touch with friends and family, but with so many closures and cancellations, now is the perfect time to catch up. Whether on the phone, through Facetime or other video calling devices, chatting with others can help ease feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression – and you’ll be surprised at how fast the time goes by.

Host a Netflix Watch Party

We know you’ve probably been watching a lot of movies and TV all winter long, but what if you could do it with your friends? Social gatherings are still not allowed, but watch parties allow you to binge watch your favorites with friends from afar. For instance, the free Google Chrome extension Netflix Party allows you to live chat with friends while watching movies.

Exercise

With many gyms and fitness facilities closed, and many residents resorting to snacking and sitting on the couch, the “shelter-in-place 15” could become a real thing. To avoid putting on extra pounds, why not check out one of the many online workout alternatives. Several fitness companies are even offering classes for free. You can sign up for a 30-day trial with Les Mills On-Demand to access everything from yoga to cardio classes, and Peloton is giving away 90-days of free fitness content on their app, as well.

Get Organized

Have you been avoiding cleaning out your closet, your email inbox, or the photos on your phone? Now is your chance to get organized. You’ll feel great about accomplishing something that is long overdue and just imagine how much relief and satisfaction you’ll feel when you open your closet, your inbox, or your phone’s photo gallery and everything is neat and tidy.

Livestream Broadway Shows

BroadwayHD is offering a 7-day free trial, which means you can watch performances from New York City’s Broadway theaters, London’s West End and other venues around the world from the comfort of your living room. Choose from musical classics, including Cats, the King and I, and The Sound of Music, as well as plays, ballets and other performances.

Get Your Sports Fix

For those of you experiencing withdrawal from the lack of professional sports on TV, MLB.tv is offering free streaming of all 2018 and 2019 Major League Baseball games. All you have to do is log in or create an account. NBA League Pass is also offering some content without a subscription, as is NFL Game Pass, and the NHL is offering full-game replays of the current season on their website.

Oak Park Apartments is Here to Help

While much of our area, and the nation, is hunkered down in hopes of curbing the spread of COVID-19, Oak Park Apartments remains open and committed to serving our residents. As always, you can continue to make payments and submit maintenance requests online using the Tenant Portal. For more information on how best to reach us and to learn more about what we are doing to protect our residents, please see our page dedicated to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

If all this time inside has made you realize it’s time for a bigger apartment, or you’re simply in the market for a new place, Oak Park Apartments can help with that, too. We have more than 70 apartment buildings and 1,600+ apartments for rent in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and Chicago. Search our available apartments, or email us to schedule an appointment. Please note: Open Houses have been suspended until further notice.

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35 Chicago Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302

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