Sen. Brian W. Stewart (R-Freeport) voiced his frustration over the governor’s addition of a new stage in the reopening process, pointing to the fact that the state has continued to see higher-than-average death rates, despite the harsh measures taken to slow the spread.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the Bridge to Phase 5 requires 70% of individuals 65 and older must be half vaccinated, in addition to a number of other requirements.
“Phase 5 of Gov. Pritzker’s reopening plan won’t be coming this week. However, after weeks of pressure from people across Illinois, including members of the business community and employees wanting to get back to work, Gov. Pritzker on March 18 finally outlined a ‘Bridge Phase’ based on vaccination rates,” Stewart said in a press release on his website.
The governor’s plan is hardly reasonable, Stewart claimed, as it is not based in science but rather seems to be arbitrary in its requirements.
“While the governor claims these new mitigation measures are based on science and data, he has not provided that specific data he is using, nor has he empowered local health officials to adopt the standards to best meet the needs of their communities,” Stewart said.
Illinois’ Senate Republicans have been pleading with the governor for increased transparency throughout the pandemic and requesting more engagement from Pritzker with the General Assembly.
“To date, the governor has issued 76 executive orders and continues the streak of not engaging the Legislature in decision-making processes,” Stewart said.
Under the new phase of reopening, restaurants will be able to increase indoor capacity to 30% and outdoor to 50%.
Office, retail, health and fitness centers will be able to accept 50% capacity.
Despite strict rules during the pandemic, Illinois has suffered from the 15th highest death rate per capita.
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