Poll: Majorities Remain Uncomfortable With Dining, Outdoor Events

NILES-MORTON GROVE, IL — More than two thirds of respondents to a poll of Niles-Morton Grove Patch readers said they would be uncomfortable dining out as the state entered Phase 4 of the governor's "Restore Illinois" coronavirus reopening plan. About one in four said they would comfortable attending an outdoor concert or sporting event.

More than 68 percent of readers who responded said they wanted no part of in-person dining — whether inside or outside. Nineteen percent of respondents were comfortable eating indoors at restaurants, which were permitted to begin opening indoor dining areas at up to 25 percent capacity on Friday.

Locally, over 44 percent of people who took the poll said the the pace of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's multi-phase reopening plan was moving too fast. About 35 percent said it was going at the right pace, while just over 11 percent said it was moving too slow.

Less than 16 percent of respondents to the unscientific survey said they will change their behavior as the state enters its new phase of reopening. More than 68 percent said they would not.

Readers expressed concern about Illinois opening up as coronavirus infection rates increase in other, mostly Southern, states.

"After seeing spikes in other reopened states, I would wait to see how to approach before we move into the next phase," one respondent said.

"Overall [I] am pleased with the way Illinois has dealt with this unique situation. My only concerns are that Phase 4 should have been delayed until after the July 4th weekend [at least,]" said another. "In light of the current uptick in positive cases, especially in states that have already reopened or never had the same restrictions as Illinois, another week or [two] of stay at home practices would be prudent."

Opinion was split among local residents with children at home as to levels of comfort sending youngsters back to school or child care. Nearly 17 percent were ready, nearly 57 percent were not while another nearly 27 percent said they were not yet comfortable.

Residents also provided feedback and suggestions for changes to the way the state is reopening. The desire expressed most frequently was for stricter enforcement of face covering and social distancing mandates.

When it comes to other newly permitted activities, a majority of Niles-Morton Grove Patch readers who responded remained unready.

Two out of three said they were no longer comfortable going patronizing fitness centers, with about one in eight saying they were ready and one in five responding that they were never had been comfortable going to a gym.

Likewise, nearly three out of four respondents said they would be uncomfortable returning to an indoor theater, while one in four said they would be comfortable going to an outdoor concert or sporting event.