The five Republicans who represent parts of Illinois in Congress believe more businesses could safely reopen, although perhaps it needs to vary from one part of the state to the next. Adam Kinzinger, John Shimkus, Rodney Davis, Mike Bost, and Darin LaHood all represent downstate districts. Their letter to Gov. Pritzker says at least 35 counties in Illinois have less than ten corona virus cases and at least five haven’t seen the disease at all.
The Republicans say they believe the state will have the resources to handle testing and a regional approach to reopening. They say protecting the economy needs to be balanced with protecting people’s health.
Gov. Pritzker says the virus is spreading everywhere and opening too much too soon could spread it further. But he has also said he’ll consider a regional reopening.