North Egypt News

Franklin County activist Karen Tucker laments she’s seen the impact of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic up close and personal.

It’s pretty awful how much small businesses have been impacted by all this,” she told the North Egypt News. “I personally know of at least a couple of businesses that have closed and won't be coming back. You have to think, that’s someone’s life and livelihood and it should have never come to this.”

Even with the state now having finally moved into Phase 4 of the governor’s five-part Restore Illinois plan. Under Phase 4 guidelines, more businesses can open with fewer restrictions. Gatherings of up to 50 people and restricted indoor dining at restaurants are now also permitted. In addition, movie theaters, performing arts center, zoos and museums can reopen on a limited basis. But Hansen fears much of the damage he caused may be irreparable.

“These businesses have paid a heavy toll,” she said. “I never understood why the governor would mandate that they all essentially shut down while the Walmarts and Targets were still allowed to do business without interruption.”

Tucker added she’s also been dumbfounded by the way the governor has sought to use a one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with the situation.

“I live in Southern Illinois and at one time we really weren’t affected that much down here,” she said. “Still, the governor treated everyplace like it was Chicago and the whole state forced to shut down when I don’t think that was necessary.” 

Even now, Tucker said she thinks the restrictions are too much and she worries that even more businesses won’t be able to survive. As of July 15, Illinois reported 156,693 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 7,226 deaths. Franklin County has reported just 54 of those confirmed cases of COVID-19.

“I understand taking precaution, but I think a lot of that has to be an individual thing that’s going to be to the population,” she said. “In the end, I suspect we’re going to have to get used to dealing with the virus until there’s a vaccine or effective treatment for it.”