Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: 4,729 new cases, 17 additional deaths, 2,638 hospitalized, 6.3 percent positivity rate
Next Post: COVID-19 roundup
Posted in:
* BND…
“The indoor-dining issue is a joke,” said Jon Roderick, owner of Jerry’s Cafeteria in Granite City, on Friday. “Whenever they want to get really serious about this, they’ll close Walmart. … More people go through Walmart in an hour than go through my restaurant in a day. It’s a far more dangerous place.”
People don’t normally spend a couple of hours in Walmart without masks on their faces talking to others across from them and/or next to them at their tables.
* Back to the story…
DeVore also maintains that the Pritzker administration doesn’t have the authority to revoke liquor licenses over indoor dining and accused him of using intimidation tactics that “border on criminality.”
“The license holder has to be violating the (Illinois Liquor Control Act) or a local liquor ordinance or something,” DeVore said. “There is no authority to take someone’s liquor license because they’re not following his executive order. It’s impossible. The governor’s lying.”
For the umpteenth time, the governor’s EOs are authorized under the Illinois Emergency Management Act, a law that goes back decades. Among his many statutory emergency powers…
(1) To suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing procedures for conduct of State business, or the orders, rules and regulations of any State agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action, including emergency purchases, by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, in coping with the disaster. […]
(9) To suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, and combustibles.
* To the Sun-Times…
On Saturday, Ives posted a video in front of Ki’s, a restaurant in Glendale Heights defying Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new indoor dining ban, imposed in the wake of rising infections in DuPage. Ives said businesses following health guidelines should not be subject to “arbitrary” rules. Most area deaths came from “long-term care facilities,” not restaurants, she said.
As we’ve discussed before, the virus just doesn’t pop up in congregate facilities. It has to come in from somewhere. And a big “somewhere” is restaurants and bars.
* Meanwhile, Sam Toia at the Illinois Restaurant Association was on WGN Radio the other day…
We do need a stimulus bill. We need the Restaurant Act passed. That was a part of the Heroes Act that was passed out of the United States House. Within it was $120 billion in grants to independent restaurants. In Chicago, we’re A very independent restaurants city, we’re not like Tampa or Houston, a chain restaurant town. So it’s very important that we pass a stimulus bill for the restaurant industry, like we’ve done in the past for the airlines, for the banking industry for the auto industry. You know, we are the largest private sector employer here in the state of Illinois. We began the year with over 594,000 people working in the restaurant, food service industry, with over 25,000 restaurants. The National Restaurant Association predicts that 20% of the restaurants could close. That’s 5,000 restaurants and over 120,000 jobs. That’s why we need the United States federal government to stop with the stimulus bill for the restaurants.
But…
I think you’re more likely to get the Coronavirus in one of your friend’s basement than you are in a gathering and a personal gathering, than you are in one of our restaurants here throughout the state of Illinois. Now, we always say, I want to make sure I go on and say that we do not, the IRA the Illinois Restaurant Association, we do not advocate for operatives to disobey the governor’s executive order, even though we cannot support the mitigation measure, but we do not want them to, like I said, disobey the governor’s executive order. […]
We’re trying to talk to the governor and his team, saying ‘Can’t we go to 25 percent capacity? Do we have to go to zero percent capacity?’ And we agree that people should not be standing at the bar, we think that diners should be in their seats. And when they’re in their seats, they’re wearing their mask. When the waitperson comes, they’re wearing their mask. And then the food comes, you take your mask off. And then when a person comes back, you put your mask on, cover faces, keep open places, social distancing. We get that, we just need to work together. But we agree that people should not be standing around a restaurant bar. Diners should be in seats with their faces covered 100%, but not close down 100% you know, at least go to 25%.
If it was that easy, there would be no problems with a spiking virus right now. The fact is that way too many restaurant owners are ignoring public health requirements. And they’re only emphasizing this failure to do their part by thumbing their noses at the new mitigations while their local positivity rates skyrocket. From a suburban Republican buddy…
You drive around here and restaurants have signs up that they are staying open. It’s bizarre and unsettling from both a health and rule of law perspective. Hope it changes.
…Adding… From comments…
One thing I keep seeing on Facebook is people complaining that because most of the current transmission is in private residences, bars and restaurants shouldn’t be tamped down. Well, guess what…today’s heavy caseload from residential spread is tomorrow’s restaurant superspreading event.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:03 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: 4,729 new cases, 17 additional deaths, 2,638 hospitalized, 6.3 percent positivity rate
Next Post: COVID-19 roundup
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Its the job of the administration to rebut these false claims.
DCEO should also lean on the Chambers of Commerce to educate their members and be the voice of reason in the community.
Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:09 pm
The Governor has answered this question almost every single day during his press briefing and I’m pretty sure reporters have the studies. What else do they need to stop printing these lies that are making things worse around the state? Not every story has two equal sides.
Comment by Ummm Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:12 pm
If you have spent a lifetime denying science, why would a science denier pay attention now. Throw in politics and we are doomed.
Comment by illinifan Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:21 pm
Those denying the virus will have a hard time explaining they were wrong as cases, people in the ICU, and deaths explode. They are choosing to make it worse… customers won’t forget and may not forgive. The voter in whole will not forget, and there will be an elections down the road as well.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:36 pm
No. Most deaths occur IN long-term care facilities.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:36 pm
Unfortunately, the United States is a country where citizens look at laws and regulations as minimum standards. We tend to look for loopholes in everything. Until people have close loved ones that become dangerously sick or die, they are going to continue to violate what medical and scientific professionals and some state and
local officials prescribe.
Comment by GA Watcher Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:40 pm
===You drive around here and restaurants have signs up that they are staying open===
My favorite examples are the ones with outdoor dining with heaters that still have patrons sitting inside.
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:41 pm
An issue is everyone’s obsession with stating both sides. There isn’t another side for this. It would be like saying the fires out west won’t burn your house down when they come thru. Unfortunately everyone can see a fire. You can’t see much with this except the signs saying “Open”.
Comment by Publius Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:48 pm
Hmm, which influential and powerful figure is encouraging the very reckless behavior that is hurting restaurants? Rightful anger and frustration at economic shutdowns should be channeled toward those who are not fighting to minimize the pandemic.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:03 pm
===My favorite examples are the ones with outdoor dining with heaters that still have patrons sitting inside.===
A popular Glen Ellyn pizza place is keeping their dining room open.
A pizza place- the whole point of pizza is take out/delivery
Comment by In 630 Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:10 pm
It would help if the Governor would share is data or hold press conferences where they answered questions from those outside his pre-scripted audience. Or I know this is crazy, go to Springfield and meet with legislators and speak with them about their concerns.
Comment by the Patriot Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:17 pm
GA Watcher
COVID-19 has convinced me “E pluribus unum” will be replaced with “No one can tell me what to do!”
Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:17 pm
===where they answered questions from those outside his pre-scripted audience===
He literally does this five days a week now.
And he has shared his data.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:18 pm
I read today where DeVore is holding a Central Illinois meeting in Decatur on November 2nd for all area businesses who want to stand up against Governor Pritzker. He’s going to have an All star panel for questions.
Darren Bailey, Illinois #1 Attorney Thomas DeVore and Keith Ayre Owner of Fox Run in Springfield.
Should be an interesting meeting.
Comment by Club J Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:31 pm
After watching that computer simulation I never want to go out to dinner again.
Comment by A Parent Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:35 pm
I remember at the time when the state first said you could dine with a group of 10 or less, I thought, “that means only with people in your “bubble” right?” But there was no clarification about that.
And then I hear my coworkers are regularly getting together for lunch, or we see a group of teachers from the high school having dinner and drinks and all sitting at the same table, how is that any safer than a bunch of people gathering in somebody’s house?
== And then when a person comes back, you put your mask on, cover faces, keep open places, social distancing ==
There is no social distancing if you’re sitting next to your buddy at a table and you both have your masks off to eat.
Comment by harp5339 Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:38 pm
One thing I keep seeing on Facebook is people complaining that because most of the current transmission is in private residences, bars and restaurants shouldn’t be tamped down. Well, guess what…today’s heavy caseload from residential spread is tomorrow’s restaurant superspreading event. The April-level caseload demands an April-level response, unless we want something on the scale of what’s happening in Wisconsin, the Dakotas or, say, the north of England.
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:39 pm
=Ives said businesses following health guidelines should not be subject to “arbitrary” rules. Most area deaths came from “long-term care facilities,” not restaurants, she said.=
Ives picked the wrong year to be running against a scientist. Separately she’s also said that people should be free to make their own choices as it relates to protecting themselves against Covid-19 and not be told what to do. Jeanne Ives is now pro-choice. Who would have thunk it.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:51 pm
Any restaurant or bar owner that uses that tired, completely false “but Wal Mart” argument is either dense or thinks you are.
Comment by Flying Elvis'-Utah Chapter Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:54 pm
Perhaps the Restaurant Association should be discussing with the Governor mandating every restaurant and/or bar location which wants to provide indoor service to demonstrate to the State that they have upgraded all their indoor environments to meet a standard adequate to medical experts in air filtration, air-flow and ventilation sufficient to resolve Covid infection concerns if they wish to have indoor dining , per info such as contained here: https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/10/21/21525361/covid-coronavirus-ventilation-air-filtration-spread-indoors?fbclid=IwAR1M6XpGBqzqJKwZMRsmKGjc4ApjOKJYsNJoIjL7Co4YtTa_0lLDJZMtV8s
Comment by Larry Saunders Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:12 pm
Pritzker will not win the next election because of his mismanagement of the Covid issue
Comment by No Mask Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:19 pm
Restaurants can at least somewhat control social distancing. Meanwhile stores such as Walmart, Menards, or other large chain stores have no social distancing control what so ever. Shopper routinely take the mask off once they are in the door and generally ignore the one way signs. Complacency has set in. Walk through a Walmart on a weekend, if you are brave enough and you will see what I mean. So I think restaurant owners have a point.
Comment by A Jack Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:22 pm
===Restaurants can at least somewhat control social distancing===
In theory, perhaps. In practice? Also, u gonna stop people from getting groceries? Good luck with that.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:23 pm
=== Pritzker will not win the next election because of his mismanagement of the Covid issue===
Can’t beat someone with no one, it’s not like Pritzker is under water by a large number at this moment due to Covid-19
Lemme guess… Bailey can beat him?
Wait till the suburbs get a look-see at Bailey.
To the post,
The “alternative facts” mode going on is finding ways to get a desired want that goes against medical smarts.
Chasing all these Covidiots is as tiring as chasing others using “alternative facts” on a whole range of other things, and that’s the problem; the acceptance of the false because agreeing on the facts are a loss to the factually lacking.
Campaigns in 21st century America are now as deep in misinformation and rebuking it as it needs to be in educating voters on facts and candidates. Twice the work with the same facts.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:25 pm
A. Is it too late to get a refund from CommandoJeanie for her free college and free Europe travel?
B. Can we explain to the confused dude in GC that at Walmart you usually zip in and out (unless you ar being fitted for a custom suit) While at Magoos or Fozzy’s or …. you are usually slumped over your stool on bucket nite for hours.
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:35 pm
Sorry to all bar and restaurant owners but if you think its even bad now you have no idea what’s coming.
Same goes for every store that doesn’t sell food or hardware supplies. Everyone else is next and very soon
Comment by The Dude Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:37 pm
- A Parent - Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 2:35 pm:
After watching that computer simulation I never want to go out to dinner again.
Medicine continues to be astounded at the marvel of our immune system(s)/response…knowing the level of viral and bacterial load we are subjected to on a daily basis…it’s truly amazing we can survive the day.
Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:59 pm
I think the way to tamp down all of the objections from bars and restaurants is to release the names of bars and restaurants we obtain through contact tracing.
it is legit public health to issue a press release asking that anyone who patronized Jerry’s Cafeteria in Granite City last Saturday get tested, if someone tests positive and tells you they dined out on Saturday.
Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:59 pm
@Rich. Most large stores such as Walmart do allow online ordering and curbside pickup. So why not shut down inside shopping for these large stores for a couple weeks and see if cases drop? The large stores have more than adequate resources for curbside pickup. The large stores have had months to get ready for a shutdown, so they should share in the pain to get us through this phase of the pandemic.
Comment by A Jack Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 4:09 pm
Not all Walmarts etc have online ordering and pickup. Us bumpkins out in the small towns have to go to the store.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 4:25 pm
To add to my last post. No doordash, ubereats, etc.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 4:27 pm
=Walk through a Walmart on a weekend, if you are brave enough and you will see what I mean.=
My typical visit to the chain store is 30 minutes or less, the stores are 50K sq. ft. plus, I’m constantly moving, and most if not all patrons have masks on. It’s nothing like being in a restaurant. And don’t even ask about a bar. These are false equivalencies designed to distract. What we should be doing is figuring out how the restaurant owners and their employees can survive a shut down. But that would require the federal government to get their act together.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 4:40 pm
Even after all this time, people still can’t distinguish between essential things like going to the grocery store or pharmacy versus nonessential things like having a beer at a bar or a meal inside a restaurant.
Comment by Jibba Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 4:47 pm