Poll: 52% Uncomfortable Dining Out, 24% Comfortable At Concerts

Skokie IL

30 June, 2020

6:03 PM

Description

SKOKIE, IL — A slight majority of people who responded to a poll of Skokie Patch readers said they were not comfortable dining out as the state entered Phase 4 of the governor's "Restore Illinois" coronavirus reopening plan. At the same time, nearly one in four respondents said they would be comfortable attending an outdoor concert or sporting and almost one in six is ready for indoor entertainment. Almost 52 percent said they wanted no part of in-person dining — whether inside or outside. More than 30 percent were comfortable with outdoor dining only, and almost 18 percent said they were OK either way. Restaurants were permitted to begin opening indoor dining areas at up to 25 percent capacity on Friday. Overall, just over 41 percent of people who took the poll said the pace of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's multi-phase reopening plan was moving too fast. Less than 10 percent said it was going to fast, while 38 percent described the pace as "just about right." Two out of three local respondents to the unscientific survey said they will not change their behavior as the state enters its new phase of reopening. Nearly 18 percent said they would. (Skokie Patch)Opinion was split among respondents with children at home as to levels of comfort sending youngsters back to school or child care. Less than 18 percent said they were ready, while more than 45 percent said they were not. Another nearly 37 percent said they were not yet comfortable. Some Skokie Patch readers expressed concern about Illinois opening up as coronavirus infection rates increase in other states. Residents also provided feedback and suggestions for changes to the way the state is reopening. "Go slower. There are so many states that have increased Covid cases I don't want Illinois to be one of them," one reader said. "Slow down and provide financial supports so residents aren't forced to work in risky environments," another suggested. "Pay attention to the rapidly increasing number of cases, rather than the positive trend we've had recently," a respondent recommended. "It is glaringly obvious that the virus is spreading quickly, and this stupid reopening transition to phase four could not happen at a worse time. Be smart, be disciplined, and do the right thing." "If the state is going to reopen, they need to be honest and more serious about face masks," another reader said. "People misunderstand easing restrictions to think we are 'safe' from covid but that is not the case at all. Nothing has changed about the virus — it is still spreading and dangerous. People need to be reminded of the risks of going out." While the most comment recommendation among Skokie Patch readers was for stricter face mask mandates and better compliance from residents, a small minority called for a loosening of restrictions: "Isolate the elderly and those with compromised immune system and let the rest of us live our lives," one said. "Stop all covid Plandemic nonsense," said another, "and leave people the hell alone!" When it comes to other newly permitted activities, a majority of poll respondents remained unready. More than 70 percent said they were not comfortable patronizing a gym or a fitness center, compared to less than 18 percent who said they were. Likewise, more than 69 percent of respondents said they would be uncomfortable returning to an indoor theater, while just 14 percent said they would be comfortable engaging in indoor entertainment. When it comes to outdoor events, a quarter of respondents said they would be comfortable attending. More than 46 percent said they would not be, and nearly a third were unsure. (Skokie Patch)