FILE – In this April 13, 2020 file photo, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker gives a daily state update on the coronavirus outbreak in Chicago. (Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP File)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois governor has extended his stay-at-home order through May 30 as the highly contagious COVID-19 continues its rounds.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s decree had been scheduled to expire April 30. Pritzker said Thursday that he understands how much everyone wants their normal lives back, but that this is the time to dig in.

A peak in the state’s number of new coronavirus cases had initially been expected in late April, but Pritzker said this week that’s now likely to occur in May. Illinois has reported 36,934 virus cases and 1,689 deaths.