Illinois Valley Times

Mendota Mayor David Boelk has officially lifted his state-of-emergency order, freeing the city to return to some form of normalcy from the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped it for the last several weeks.

“I would like to announce that the City of Mendota State of Emergency ended at 12:01 a.m. on May 31,” Boelk told the Mendota Reporter on June 2. “This means that the limits imposed under the emergency have ended. I want to thank the citizens of Mendota for doing their part. Without your cooperation, I am certain that the City of Mendota would not be holding steady with 17 known cases.”

Even as the city moves forward, Boelk is warning residents not to take anything for granted.

“I strongly caution residents that we must still abide by the rules set forth by the State of Illinois," he told the publication. "Please know that just because the rule prohibiting people under the age of 18 and one person per shopping cart rule in retail establishments has been lifted, this is not a green light to go and hang out in retail establishments. Remember, crowds larger than 10 are still prohibited at this time.”

Boelk added that the city will continue to monitor developments and make adjustments as needed.

“If the facts warrant, another State of Emergency will be declared,” he told the publication. “Obviously, this is something we want to avoid. We want to go forward. You can do your part to help by following the guidelines set by the State of Illinois. And together, we can move forward to Phase IV.”

With the city now moving into Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s five-phase Restore Illinois plan, city offices will now reopen with certain restrictions.   

“Masks must be worn and if you come into the clerk’s office without a mask, you will be asked to leave,” Boelk told the publication.