Illinois Valley Times

Even as she concedes to a new normal, state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Elmhurst) is calling on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to be flexible in his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve talked to the governor about allowing the state to regionally open up as some areas have shown themselves to be safer than others,” Rezin told the Illinois Valley Times. “While I think social distancing and all the other guidelines could be the new normal for the next couple months or so, I also think it’s incredibly important that we come up with a region plan that allows the state to operate and function where it’s safe to do so.”

Rezin said she wasn’t overly surprised to see the governor recently move to extend his statewide stay-at-home order through the end of May.  

“Until there is a vaccine or way to be able to test and contain the virus, we will be practicing social distancing and following all the other guidelines,” she said. “We continue to have discussions with the governor about putting a plan in place because I think it’s just important that we allow our economy to open up regionally and function in whatever parts of the state where data shows us that can be safely done.”

Since Pritzker moved to enact his stay-at-home order back in late March, forcing countless businesses to bolt their doors or limit their operations, the state’s unemployment rate has ticked up to 4.6%.

“I believe based on the numbers the governor did the right thing initially by closing things down, but since then we’ve bent the curve and now that should be looked at as part of any conversation about our economy being able to operate in places where it’s safe to do so.”