58% Say Illinois' Reopening Was 'Just About Right' Amid Pandemic

BOLINGBROOK, IL — A majority of the people who responded to a poll for Bolingbrook Patch readers said the speed at which COVID-19 restrictions have been eased in the multi-phase reopening plan was just about right.

Almost 58 percent said the state reopened at the right pace, whereas nearly 33 percent said it was too fast and 10 percent of the respondents think it was too slow.

At the same time, 70 percent of the survey takers said they did not change their behavior once the state moved to Phase 4 of the governor's Restore Illinois plan amid the pandemic. About 28 percent did notice changes in their routine and 2.5 percent were not sure.

Some Bolingbrook Patch readers expressed concern about Illinois opening back up as coronavirus infection rates increase in other states. They fear that the state will move back if people do not follow the safety guidelines.

"I think certain things like pools and large events such as concerts should not be occurring. These events will not allow for social distancing nor enforcement of face masks. With allowing these and other similar types of events, we will find ourselves back in stage 2 within 6 weeks," one reader said.

When asked about what changes they'd like to see, the same reader said: "Do not allow large gatherings whatsoever. Make wearing a mask in public mandatory under penalty of law. Issue large fines to those that break the law."

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Another respondent said the government had "good control" at the beginning, but "gave in to pandering by rushing re-opening."

"Now rising infection and death rates because of giving in to pandemic deniers and selfish idiots. We could have been winding down by now, but we're getting worse.," the reader commented.

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State health officials on Sunday announced 965 new cases of the coronavirus and 6 additional deaths. Along with Saturday's 1,276 new cases and 18 deaths, that brings the statewide total to 161,575 confirmed infections and 7,295 deaths. Another 1,175 probable cases and 193 probable deaths are not included in the official totals.

As of Monday, the United States as a whole had tested more than 45.7 million people for the coronavirus. The country now has more than 3.7 million confirmed coronavirus infections, and, according to Johns Hopkins University, at least 140,541 Americans have died from COVID-19.

Based on the latest CDC predictions, 150,000 to 170,000 Americans could be dead by August 1.

"Take it slower. I know everyone's getting tired of it, but we need to be safe and keep IL protected," a reader said.