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* Kind of a reach by Politico…
A DEM DISSES STAY-AT-HOME ORDER
Democratic Sen. Michael Hastings is pushing back against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan. Hastings wants to open up gyms and fitness centers —operations considered “high-touch” — ahead of Phase 4. Finding the right “balance” between health and economy “is a daunting task,” he says in a two-page memo to Pritzker. “Fitness and health club professionals agreed that while distancing may be a part of our new normal, wellness and connection remain more important than ever.” Page 1, Page 2 … Asked if he was a gym rat, Hastings told Playbook: “I have a lot of constituents who are gym-goers and friends who are gym-owners. They’re all struggling in their own way.” The Democrat from Frankfort says Pritzker’s team has “committed to me that they will be working on my recommended solutions.” Until now, it’s been Republicans who have led the political charge against the governor’s stay-at-home order.
Such melodrama. Hastings isn’t leading the charge against the order. Here’s what he told me yesterday…
I have been in close communication with the Governor’s office regarding this issue. They have been extremely understanding and are very engaged regarding this issue. I am hoping for positive news in the future.
He’s gonna have to wait, though. From the governor’s office…
Health clubs and gyms are high risk environments that public health experts have recommended fully re-open in phase four of the Restore Illinois plan. In phase three, accommodations were made to allow outdoor fitness training in groups of 10 or fewer and one on one training. As the state’s health metrics continue to improve and the virus is further under control, the health experts suggest we can move forward with reopening health clubs and gyms in phase four with proper health protocols in place. Illinois has proven that a data driven approach works and we will continue to follow the plan laid out by the experts.
* Bruce Rushton of the Illinois Times checked out the legislative protest last week…
You can’t believe everything you see on TV — I would talk to people and find a voice of reason. I started with folks who had just finished speaking with another reporter.
“I’m asthmatic and pushing 60; if I catch the virus, I’m at greater risk,” I began. “None of you are wearing masks. This is my job. I have to work. What do you say to someone like me?”
“Stay home!” people yelled. And worse. The crowd around me grew larger, and closer. A few pulled masks from pockets to prove that they were equipped and responsible. One man drew near and asked why, if I was so worried, I stood within six feet of all these protesters. It seemed pointless to point out that I wasn’t the one who’d advanced. Nor did I bring up a recent National Institute of Health study showing that droplets from loud talk can remain airborne for 14 minutes. There was plenty of shouting all around, with no discernible wind.
“I’m not a bank robber, I’m not a kid,” someone yelled into a PA system. “I don’t need a mask.” I spoke with a maskless woman who asserted that she could just as easily get the virus standing in this crowd as at the medical lab where she works. She didn’t want to discuss precautions taken by her employer.
* Racing soon?…
Illinois’ struggling horse racing industry could be back off to the races as soon as next week without any spectators in attendance, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he’s not quite ready to pick up the starting bugle just yet.
The governor’s office said Wednesday evening it was in the home stretch of implementing a plan to resume fan-free operations at the state’s three racetracks, with health protections in place for workers.
Hawthorne Race Course had already bolted from the starting gate, though, with the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association announcing the track in west suburban Stickney will reopen June 6 for drivers and trainers, but not railbirds.
They could be off and running even sooner at Fairmount Park in downstate Collinsville, where the Illinois Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association says they’ve gotten clearance for thoroughbred racing to “resume as early as June 1.” […]
“I don’t think it’ll restart on June 1. I think live horse racing will restart. I can’t tell you what date, but again, it will be like other spectator sports where it would have to run without spectators, at least to begin with,” Pritzker said.
* This was pretty cool to see last night…
Illinois gets a shout out in new Ford TV spot pic.twitter.com/Jl6BiF1EzT
— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) May 28, 2020
* Speaking of which…
Rivian has reopened its Normal plant and says it remains on track to deliver its first electric vehicle order by 2021.
The plant was temporarily closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, although some contractors remained on site to work on projects related to updating the former Mitsubishi auto plant.
* But…
Ford Motor Co. temporarily paused production at its stamping plant in Chicago Heights on Wednesday for sanitation after an employee at the facility tested positive for COVID-19. […]
It is the automaker’s fourth plant that has faced disruption tied to the coronavirus since the company resumed production last week.
* On to tourism…
The road trip is poised for a comeback.
At least, that is what tourism officials and experts say could occur this year as travelers look to destinations within driving distance amid continued concerns over the coronavirus.
This could bode well for centers of tourism and hospitality in Illinois looking for a comeback this summer to make up for spring losses.
“I think we’re going to see a lot of people traveling regionally, so being able to drive places and not having to go through the process of flying and everything that might come with that additionally,” said Nick Thomas, director of the School of Hospitality Leadership at DePaul University. “So being able to go places in close proximity, two-, four-, six hour range, which for places like Chicago, that’s great, because we have so many people that live in the kind of that driving time zone.”
A survey recently commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association found 68% feel safest when traveling in their car. About 45% said they are more likely to travel by car after COVID-19 has passed. Nearly one-third said they would be willing to drive up to 300 miles to reach their vacation destination.
* More…
[Choose Chicago, the organization charged with boosting Chicago’s image] is now throwing its efforts into showcasing Chicago as a safe place where reopening protocols are based on public health and science, says board chairman Glenn Eden, an executive vice president with the public relations firm Weber Shandwick.
Its new campaign, called “Tourism & Hospitality Forward,” encourages hotels, restaurants, museums and other attractions to pledge to keep “socially responsible” health and cleanliness measures top of mind for both visitors and employees, and to prominently display that info on websites and other communications.
Unlike some places that have hurtled toward a rapid reopening with a patchwork of measures, Chicago wants to be viewed as an intelligent destination that visitors can trust, Eden says.
“The science will always prevail,” he says.
Coronavirus tab for Chicago Public Schools now up to about $44 million
CVS opening hundreds more drive-thru testing locations
COVID-19 spurs union pushes among Chicago-area essential workers. ‘We’re not just burger flippers. We’ve been essential.’
Illinois stores everywhere but Chicago can start reopening Friday. Here’s what to expect in phase 3.
Legal marijuana was supposed to help communities hurt by the war on drugs. But COVID-19 may crush efforts to diversify Illinois’ largely white weed industry.
2 Cook County judges diagnosed with COVID-19
Coronavirus economic toll mounts: 41 million have sought jobless aid
As non-COVID-19 patients return to Chicago-area emergency rooms, doctors see skyrocketing blood pressure and other side effects of delays in care. ‘It’s terrible, and it’s frightening.’
Staffer at Springfield convention center where state House met tests positive for COVID-19
Illinois’ coronavirus death toll passes 5,000 as US tops jarring milestone of 100,000 fatalities
What’s the recovery rate for COVID-19 in Illinois? That number is now available. But it’s complicated.
Chicago restaurants test COVID-19 surcharges as costs mount, but customer backlash forces one to retreat
Chicago to allow “shared streets” program for residents to walk and bike in neighborhoods
* Sun-Times live blog…
These 8 Chicago streets will close to most traffic for social distancing
Chicago-area woman survives coronavirus — and 21-day coma
Two Cook County judges test positive for COVID-19
41 million have lost jobs since virus hit, but layoffs slow
Illinois coronavirus death toll eclipses 5,000
Movie theaters pressure Pritzker to loosen up and allow them to open at 50% capacity
Steering a middle course between COVID-19 hopes and fears
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:01 pm
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Might have helped if DoA release offered a little where when info….but let’s tease em
Meanwhile hope bettors remember to boycott Twin Spires app.
Comment by Annonin Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:17 pm
=“Stay home!” people yelled. And worse.=
The irony is that the people that are out protesting that our elected government can’t tell them what to do, have no problem whatsoever in telling others what to do.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:21 pm
== Such melodrama. Hastings isn’t leading the charge against the order. ==
What? No! Politico always fact checks and get the story right. There’s never any drama…fake news
Comment by snarknado Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:22 pm
skyrocketing blood pressure rates. I wonder who will draw the rash of these lawsuits.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:25 pm
…wrath…
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:29 pm
===Movie theaters pressure Pritzker to loosen up and allow them to open at 50% capacity===
Movie theaters are the next sacrifice of capitalism. One of the main reasons movie theaters became popular decades ago was because of air conditioning, not the movies they were playing. What do modern theaters offer that can’t be provided at home? Other than paying $15 for a bag of skittles.
Internet delivery of new-release movies has been pushed up because of the pandemic, and it’s going to be as impossible to stop that progress as much as it was impossible to stop online shopping hurting traditional retail.
The old ways are not coming back. Some people are going to have a harder time accepting this than others.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:32 pm
Has anyone heard about Nascar or Indy racing? I get horse racing, but some of us are into other stuff.
Comment by stlboy Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:33 pm
Stlboy: Indycar and F1 are planning a revised schedule starting in July. Nascar has already started, of course for TV broadcast only.
Comment by Just A Dude Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:39 pm
Try this out for size…
https://youtu.be/ElMeb_AcquU
Pretty fun actually..
Comment by NASCAR substitue Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:42 pm
These statements seem a bit opionated, vague and a little condescending. Certainly, the statements wouldn’t hold up in court.
“Health clubs and gyms are high risk environments that public health experts have recommended fully re-open in phase four of the Restore Illinois plan…the health experts suggest we can move forward with reopening health clubs and gyms in phase four with proper health protocols in place.”
What experts?
Comment by Wazzup Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:44 pm
=What experts?=
You’re very, very late to the party. You might want to go back a few weeks or months to see how these decisions and determinations were made.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:54 pm
“The irony is that the people that are out protesting that our elected government can’t tell them what to do, have no problem whatsoever in telling others what to do.”
If you can’t see the difference, you are the problem.
Comment by ReadMuch Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 12:58 pm
On the Hastings letter…
Looks like he’s doing some constituent management — showing his people he’s advocating for them via a sternly worded letter, without ever intending to elevate the situation into a real fight with the Guv. He’s not the only one doing it.
Comment by Roman Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 1:18 pm
John Deere Classic had to cancel and Pritzker appeared dumbfounded when asked about it yesterday. This is basically the State Fair for people in western Illinois and apparently Pritzker was MIA throughout.
Comment by Chicagonk Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 1:52 pm
==What experts?==
Here’s a place to start.
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/26/before-you-get-a-haircut-next-week-consider-this/
Comment by Jocko Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 1:52 pm
@ Chicagoonk - Looks like a sponsor was more nervous than anything. But blame JB some more if you want.
Per Golfweek :Multiple people with knowledge of the decision tell Golfweek that John Deere Co., didn’t want to have fans at the popular Quad Cities event and risk a possible outbreak of coronavirus at a large gathering.
“They felt if we don’t have fans it’s just a TV show and that’s not what the tournament is about,” said one of the people who requested anonymity because that person was not authorized to speak on the subject. “They’d rather take the money they’d be allocating to the tournament and give it to the community.”
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 1:57 pm
I can’t imagine going back to my gym in the foreseeable future. Maybe one-on-one with my trainer and not going into the locker room. Definitely not using any equipment or taking classes.
=What do modern theaters offer that can’t be provided at home?= Big screen (no, I am not taking up my entire living room with a monstrous huge television). Film festivals. Discussions with the directors.
Comment by JoanP Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 2:11 pm
Regarding Ford’s Chicago Heights plant: It shares its ZIP Code (60411) with Ford Heights, Lynwood, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights–all very- blue-collar-can’t-work-from-home-towns. IDPH reports 808 cases as of today. For comparison, Harvey shows “only” 413; Calumet City at 518. There will likely be more shutdowns and restarts.
Comment by revvedup Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 2:12 pm
I like to lift but gyms are definitely placed in the right reopening phase.
We’re just getting hospitalizations down to what things looked like in early stay home days. People had all but abandoned my local park gym around March 10. And now we definitely know being indoors with people breathing heavy all through a workout is *definitely* a bad idea until community transmission is pushed down more
Comment by In 630 Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 2:52 pm
The Planet Fitness where I work out has always been one of the cleanest businesses I have ever frequented. Rarely see a person not wiping down the equipment after use with the cleaner provided. Once the news of the virus came out the majority of people wiped down the areas of the equipment they would be touching before and after use. With the use of mask this place would be much safer than going to Walmart. Restricting the amount of people in the building based on square footage and amount of equipment and also using a distance separation requirement would make it fairly safe.
Comment by Arock Thursday, May 28, 20 @ 7:40 pm