Due to an ongoing increase in COVID cases, the governor of Illinois recently issued an order that restricts restaurants and bars from serving their customers indoor. It is possible that additional restrictions may be ordered in the coming weeks that will affect other type businesses.
As was the case earlier in the spring, with the initial shutdown, the city cannot enforce the governor’s restrictions, because we don’t have the authority, under law, to do so.
Regarding affected businesses; the city is not telling any affected business to stay open, and we’re not telling them to close. Any decision an affected business makes, regarding the governor’s order, is up to them. The city supports all our businesses and the decisions they make.
Any complaints the city might receive regarding the governor’s order, as before, will be referred to our local Bureau County Health Department. The health department is the state agency that is charged with oversight of the order and reviewing and acting on any complaints.
The city is NOT telling residents what to do in their day-to-day lives. Individuals who live in Princeton, and all those who visit Princeton, from near and far, are responsible for what they do and how they approach COVID, and its potential affect on their health and well-being and that of their family, friends, neighbors and general public. Good and proper judgment needs to be considered in all cases.
What the city IS telling residents, and those living in the surrounding area, and to all those visiting Princeton, from near and far, is that COVID is real. With regards of any individual decision regarding what you do, or don’t do, when considering COVID, regardless of the circumstance, there are precautions we all must consider when thinking, if not of ourselves, then that of others.
There are many differing opinions regarding COVID. One individual with an opinion is going to have a very difficult time trying to convince someone with an opposite opinion that their opinion is right, and visa versa. The prudent solution is for everyone to err on the side of caution. When looking back on all this, once this pandemic is behind us, I think we’ll find that erring on the side of caution, when making our decisions, will be what got us through this difficult time.
CDC guidelines, guided by science and common sense, when followed, is the front line defense in defeating COVID while, at the same time, enjoying life in this challenging time.
CDC guidelines, and common sense measures include social distancing, wear a mask when social distancing is not possible, respect any business that requires masks and, even when they don’t, wear a mask anyway, and wear a mask properly (covering mouth and nose), wash hands often and stay home when possible.
Please remain vigilant. Follow CDC guidelines, use common sense, and stay positive. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Joel Quiram
Mayor of Princeton