Poll: Majorities Remain Uncomfortable With Dining, Outdoor Events

WINNETKA-GLENCOE, IL — A majority of respondents to a poll of Winnetka-Glencoe Patch readers said they were not comfortable dining out as the state entered Phase 4 of the governor's "Restore Illinois" coronavirus reopening plan.

More than 54 percent said they wanted no part of in-person dining, whether outdoors or inside. Less than 9 percent of respondents were comfortable eating indoors at restaurants, which began opening indoor dining areas at up to 25 percent capacity on Friday.

Overall, nearly 48 percent of people who took the poll said the pace of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's multi-phase reopening plan was moving too fast. About a third said it was going at the right pace, while about 11 percent said it was moving too slow.

Four out of five respondents to the unscientific survey said they will not change their behavior as the state enters its new phase of reopening. Nearly 11 percent said they would.

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

"I would like to see it slowed down, people from states where COVID-19 is rising should be quarantined," one said. "We have worked hard as a state and sacrificed so much to go back to the way things were."

Opinion was split among Winnetka area residents with children at home as to levels of comfort sending youngsters back to school or child care. Nearly 41 percent were ready, more than 44 percent were not and another nearly 15 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 mandatory masks.

While a few called for the pace of reopening to be accelerated — one respondent said, "Just open completely and without RESTRICTIONS!" — more respondents advocated a cautious approach.

"Stop being pressured by businesses and idiots," one suggested.

Another respondent called for taking more time to determine the right course of action.

"I am a business owner and I am opting not to open for indoor service yet," they said. "But I do support the businesses that choose to. I think it is important that people have the right to do what is best for them. But social distancing and masks must remain mandatory."

Another said it was hard to figure out the best way to communicate public health recommendations.

"Many people are very angry and resentful about 'being told what to do,'" they said. "I fear that their disregard of all safety suggestions still remain a threat to us all. A more persuasive approach to these nay-sayers might be helpful."

When it comes to other newly permitted activities, a majority of poll respondents remained unready.

Nearly 85 percent were not comfortable patronizing a gym or a fitness center, with less than 9 percent saying they were.

Likewise, more than four out of five respondents said they would be uncomfortable returning to an indoor theater, and less than one in four said they would be comfortable at an outdoor entertainment event.