Refusing to be safe will take us backward

There was an excellent letter from Gerry McGovern on May 24 titled "Wearing mask respects health of others." But, at this point, the issue goes way beyond respect for others. Every Illinoisan is excited about entering Phase 3 of Gov. Pritzker's "Restore Illinois" on May 29th. Not only is it a sign that our public health is improving, but that our state's economy will start recovering.

To be successful, we must all be in it together, not just individuals, but the businesses and the store managers.

Look at what is going on in Wisconsin ... up 3,000 cases of COVID-19 in nine days since their courts overruled the governor's stay-at-home directives. Stupid, thoughtless, selfish people poured into the bars and restaurants without the employees or the patrons wearing masks.

With the nice weather, the narrow streets of Lake Geneva's shopping and dining areas are crowded with people (many probably from Illinois) not practicing social distancing or mask wearing. If that happens as Illinois enters Phase 3, and cases and deaths start climbing, we will shut down again. That is a fact.

Businesses must provide masks for their employees and must insist that customers wear masks inside. People must maintain distance out of doors and wear masks if they cannot do so. Violators, business and individuals, should be called out. We are depending on all Illinoisans to do whatever it will take to Restore Illinois.

Diane Niesman

Wheaton