Quincy Reporter

Illinois continues to exercise caution during the state's reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic, but some critics claim neighboring states are being more cavalier. 

SF Gate reported Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana are all enjoying fewer restrictions than how Gov. J.B. Pritzker has continued to limit Illinois residents’ movements. Pritzer said that these actions are concerning, as social distancing and capacity recommendations in the neighboring states have been lax. 

“People who are traveling across the border and ... gathering in large groups and who are going into restaurants or bars ... will asymptomatically come back to Illinois and spread it," Pritzker told SF Gate.

Pritzker ensured that nonessential businesses would remain closed until the numbers began to reflect improving conditions. As of Aug. 3, Illinois reported 183,241 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 7,526 deaths.

Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza of the city's 10th Ward has voiced concerns over the lack of regulations in other states, as she fears individuals will transmit the disease after visiting less restrictive states. 

"But there is only so much I can do when people think the right thing to do is to go to a restaurant or bar in Indiana and come back home,” Garza told SF Gate. 

Despite criticism, Prtizker has been unwavering in his stance, saying that the reopening plan will depend entirely on the data and science that surfaces as the weeks pass. The state is not allowed to enter Phase 5 until a vaccine for the novel coronavirus is available.