Restrictions Voided

A Clay County judge’s ruling that ends Illinois’ Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive orders limiting movement in businesses and by individuals will apply to everyone according to the court. The Plainfield (IL) Patch reported that Judge Michael McHaney ruled that Pritzker’s orders were not valid past 30 days. According to the judge the orders were valid only until April 9th and should not have been renewed.

This ruling was the result of a lawsuit filed by an Illinois State Representative (Darren Bailey) challenging the governor’s authority to renew his emergency orders put in place on March 9th as a result of the declared Coronavirus Pandemic.

The quarantine and other restrictions have become controversial after they have limited the movement of both employees and customers for over 17 weeks.

Arguments against the restrictions include the constitutionality of a prolonged “Emergency” prohibition of freedoms. People argue that the “Emergency” aspect does not apply over such an extended time frame. Some debaters point out that this virus effects mostly elderly victims (50+ age group accounts for over half the deaths) and we should work on protecting the vulnerable while allowing the healthy to continue to work. ,Other considerations include the viability of businesses that are forced to close, or severely limited in the scope of their enterprises. Some argue that the rising number of suicides and diagnosed cases of depression are directly related to the quarantine and its’ psychological effect on the human psyche. Nationally the quarantine has resulted in a record number of unemployment claims and business closings.

Some are arguing for the continued quarantine. They say that “opening up” too soon could result in a larger second phase of the virus resulting in more deaths. While there were nowhere near the “Projected Deaths” in the first wave there is concern voiced that we are asking for trouble if we relax the quarantine and “open up” the country.

I am relieved about the Clay County Judge’s decision. I have been concerned about the quarantine for a few reasons.

First: I felt we were selling our rights for a “projection.” I went along with it in the early stages but grew more concerned as the numbers of deaths did not come near the estimates given. I grew more concerned when articles started surfacing that some gunshot victims and other non Covid cases were being included in the Covid death count.

Second: I have a real concern that businesses, particularly small businesses will not survive the long quarantine and people will suffer financial ruin.

Third: I have seen first hand a sharp rise in suicide attempts. I am very concerned that the lack of human contact combined with, in many instances, a loss of salary is leading many of our fellow citizens into depression.

The article mentioned that it is uncertain when this issue will see a final resolution because of the possibility of appeals.

I, for one, pray the final resolution will come quickly.

What do you think?

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Thanks Phil