The first step toward reopening certain parts of the economy is to do more COVID-19 testing so we better understand the scope of the problem, said state Sen. Bill Brady.
Brady, the top Republican in the Senate, said we “need to define the problem” more fully before we start lifting parts of Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home order. That means more testing.
“Once we get there, we’ve got the data that we can maybe better manage this, and then work on try to manage the disease in a way we can start restoring some aspects—in a safe way—of our economy,” said Brady, a Bloomington Republican.
With lawmakers away from Springfield, Brady said a lot of conversations are still taking place about the COVID-19 response. He said he’s spoken numerous times with Pritzker.
“I give him credit,” Brady said.
He praised Pritzker’s focus on supply-chain issues. Early this week Pritzker announced a partnership with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization to ramp up in-state production of essential supplies.
“That is the biggest thing—how we make sure the materials are there and the workers are there should they need to be,” Brady said.
Brady said he and other lawmakers are sending and receiving information to constituents in their districts about what help is available. That includes more than $90 million in new emergency assistance for small businesses announced this week.
Brady encouraged constituents to visit Coronavirus.Illinois.gov to see what help is available.
We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WGLT will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WGLT can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.
