CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The long-simmering standoff between Chicago and the Illinois region known as “downstate” surfaced Thursday as Gov. JB Pritzker announced he’ll extend the state’s stay-at-home order to May 30.
During a question-and-answer period with reporters, the governor was asked why Chicago and the suburbs can’t be “quarantined” while the rest of the state — rural, less populated areas — goes about its business.
Pritzker chuckled at the question and said, “This virus knows no boundaries, folks. No one is immune from this virus, no matter where you live.”
The governor said he took into account population densities across Illinois as he considered ways to modify the stay-at-home order. The order was to cease April 30, but will go on for another month.
State parks and some sectors of the Illinois economy will be able to reopen with restrictions, beginning May 1.
The rural-versus-urban question is not new during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, two congressmen from central Illinois said Pritzker should consider the marked differences between regions when easing restrictions. The governor has said he would consider, eventually, a county-by-county or regional approach when lifting the order.