Support for Rules to Stop the Spread of Covid

The past months have been a challenge for everyone as we work to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These months have been particularly difficult for vulnerable populations including those living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia and their caregivers. As someone who has personally seen the impact of Alzheimer’s as caregiver for my mother and husband, I know how important it is to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep this vulnerable population safe during these difficult times.

That’s why I’m writing today in support of the emergency rules recently put forward by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health to require masks and limit the size of gatherings. We know that these simple steps can limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect everyone – especially vulnerable populations who are already dealing with health challenges and don’t need the added risk of COVID-19.

These rules are commonsense and provide multiple opportunities for compliance before any penalties are issued. They also only apply to businesses, schools, and childcare establishments, not to individuals. The last thing anyone wants to see is a return to the many deaths, increasing infection rates, and strict restrictions we saw in Illinois in March and April. Compliance with these rules will help prevent that and protect all of us.

Let’s work together as Illinoisans to continue to protect our vulnerable populations and stop the spread of COVID-19.