State Parks and lakes continue to be closed to the public as Illinois officials continue to push social distancing to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Sergeant John Williamson says they are finding hunters and fishermen are, in some cases, still unaware of the decree from Governor JB Pritzker that lakes and parks are closed.

If you know someone with a pond or private property who may have seasonal mushrooms on their land, those can still be hunted on and fished through. Additionally, federal sites in Illinois are still open. 

While it is unfortunate people cannot take advantage of the opportunity to get out and enjoy state parks, Williamson indicates this isn't the worst thing for the ecosystem.

The Department has seen isolated incidents of false information circulating social media posing as though it is coming from them. He indicates the best place to find the latest in accurate information is at their website, dnr.illinois.gov.