One Illinois county goes against governor’s stay-at-home

Greg Minger, the state’s attorney of Woodford County, issued a statement related to the extension of the stay-at-home order given by JB Pritzker, the governor of Illinois. Pritzker issued an executive order to extend the stay-at-home rule until May 30. Minger said, “Bottom line as it stands at this moment, the extension of the stay-at-home order will not be enforced in Woodford County.”

According to the statement of Minger, he believes that people should decide what is best for them, not the government. If people think staying at home is better and safe for them, then they should stay at home. If they think going back to work and opening the businesses is better, then they should go for it without governmental restrictions.

Pam Keller, the owner of Bushert’s Antiques in El Paso, said that she was trying to use social media for sales during the lockdown. However, it was not a feasible option for her. Keller said, “I am very excited that we can have the store open.” It was hard for her to survive during the stay-at-home days. However, Scott Zimmer, the mayor of Eureka, is backing the governor’s decision.

Zimmer said that he would follow the guidelines issued by the Illinois administration and the governor. Woody’s Restaurant’s employees said that they were not sure about the opening of the business. Mayor Zimmer told the residents, “The city will continue to follow the orders set forth by the state of Illinois.” He ensured the continuation of sheltering and business guidelines in Eureka.

Minger said in his statement, “We need to live in a world with COVID-19…no doubt about it.” He stated a study published by the Illinois Department of Public Health in 2015, “Quarantine is not effective in controlling multiple influenza outbreaks in large, immunologically naive population.” He forced the decision to be taken by the public about their safety.