'We Need To Begin Opening Up Our Economy May 1:' Mayor Chirico

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico took to his personal Facebook page Sunday to express that he would like some "low transmission risk" businesses to open back up by May 1. In the public post, the mayor wrote, "I think the plan presented by the President's team to reopen the economy is sound and we need to begin this process."

Chirico wrote, "I agree with [Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker] and I have supported the COVID-19 decisions that the Governor has made thus far. He took early action and I believe these actions have flattened the curve and saved lives."

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He added that he is in accord with Governor in thinking "we should be paying more attention to the hospital data than the COVID-19 test results." Chirico continued to say he would like to see Pritzker's daily press conferences include statistics about the coronavirus patients who have recovered.

Chirico went on, "We have learned a great deal in the past 12 weeks. We have changed our behaviors and educated ourselves. It's time to apply what we have learned and begin opening the low transmission risk businesses back up...monitor the situation and if we maintain manageable virus levels, open the next level of businesses."

He also included "tennis courts, golf courses and other low risk outdoor activities" in his post, but added that higher transmission risk activities and businesses should wait until "we have more tools to deal with the virus."

Chirico emphasized the need to continue practice social distancing, handwashing, and wearing personal protective equipment. He closed the post with an opinion that went on to polarize some Naperville residents, though he told Chicago Tribune, "I wasn’t trying to stir up fighting. I do think someone needs to start paying attention to the economy."

He wrote, "That said, we need to begin opening up our economy on May 1st."

Chirico did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Patch Tuesday evening.

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