IL Mayors Differ On Reopening Plans

ACROSS ILLINOIS — On Friday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker urged mayors, county leaders and officials for municipal governments across the state to put together plans on how to reopen their towns safely under guidelines set up under his five-stage Restore Illinois plan. He stressed that municipalities can enact more stringent guidelines than is detailed in the state's plan but should follow the Restore Illinois rules to prevent a surge in new coronavirus cases.

On May 1, an updated stay-at-home order was issued, and despite facing some legal challenges, it remains in effect through the end of the month. There are some modifications that will allow some state parks and additional businesses to reopen, though many retailers are only permitted to do online orders and curbside pickup.

Illinois Coronavirus Update May 8: 73,760 Cases, 3,241 Deaths: Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

The next phase of reopening won't be until the end of the month at the earliest, and the Restore Illinois plan for reopening will happen by region and based on coronavirus infection rates and hospital capacity.

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Across the state, some city leaders, including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, have released their own plans. The city's plan mirrors the state's structure for reopening businesses and eventually lifting stay-home orders but doesn't include any specific dates for relaxing regulations. Lightfoot said decisions will be made based on science and data saying the city could "put out a date but it would be completely arbitrary."

"Though we still have a way to go before we can begin reopening our city, when the time comes, that reopening will follow our thoughtful, data-driven process aimed at ensuring all our residents and businesses are informed and supported every step of the way," Lightfoot said.

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Others municipal leaders, including those in East Peoria, are bucking Pritzker's plan. East Peoria Mayor announced last week he'd reopen his city to help boost the local economy.

The city allowed hair salons and gyms to open on May 1 with social distancing guidelines in place and, under the second phase of the plan, bars and restaurants will be able to start allowing dine-in service at 50 percent capacity on May 15, WAND 17 is reporting. Also on May 15 playgrounds, churches, theaters and casinos will be allowed to open.

"We cast no doubt on the health concerns related to coronavirus. However, we recognize the need to find a balance between addressing those concerns and protecting the livelihoods of those we have sworn to serve," Prahl wrote in a letter announcing his reopening plan last week. "Our decision today is not one of defiance. Rather, it is one of respect for those citizens and members of our business community whom we represent and who are counting on us to provide the leadership, trust and confidence necessary to get East Peoria moving forward again."

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Still some other municipal leaders are confused over Pritzker's guidelines. Lockport Mayor Steven Streit is among those who is unsure of how to proceed in reopening his town under the state's plan,

In particular, he said, there are inconsistencies over what is essential and what is not essential. For example, he wrote in a Facebook post, Walmart can be open, but a small business which has fewer people in it cannot be.

"Cannabis and liquor stores are 'essential' but not tobacco or vape shops?" Streit questioned. "Mayors and councils know the businesses in their communities well enough to help them manage social distance practices and should be given the ability to do so. This permission, though, needs to come from the governor; otherwise, any business that chooses to open will risk litigation."

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Pritzker, whose reviewed many plans issued by county and local government leaders, said there is "patchwork of things" being proposed leading to "pacts in different regions" and some counties wanting to put together their own plan.

"Everyone has a different plan," Pritzker said

He said a federal plan for reopening could've prevented some of these headaches.

"This is why you need leadership," he said.

130 Deaths, 2,887 New Cases: May 8 COVID-19 Update

Illinois saw another day of more than 100 deaths due to the coronavirus.

There have been 130 additional deaths in the past 24 hours due to the new coronavirus in Illinois and 2,887 more people who have tested positive for the virus. That brings the total number of cases in Illinois to 73,760 and the number of deaths to 3,241, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.