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On Wednesday, Shaw Media Illinois asked our readers on social media three questions on how they’re feeling about a few specific topics related to Illinois entering Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan.
We had about 60 responses in this unscientific survey, but wanted to share the results and feedback to provide a snapshot of northern Illinois residents as the state enters a pivotal day in the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked respondents to provide their first name and town in which they live.
Specifically, we asked these three questions:
1. Do you plan on going to a bar or restaurant? What are your thoughts on that?
2. Are you going to get your haircut? What are your thoughts on this before you do? (Optional: When is the last time you got a haircut?)
3. Are you planning on meeting up with friends and family? What are your thoughts on keeping that group to 10 or fewer?
Restaurants/Bars
From our snapshot: 51% of respondents said they had no intention of going out to eat or drink, 19% said they weren’t ready to do it yet, 9% said they would only if it was clear the restaurant was following social distancing and PPE guidelines, and 21% said they would go out with no hesitations.
Comments from respondents included:
Michael from Crystal Lake: “I will go to a restaurant as long as it looks like people are social distancing, wearing masks, and behaving like reasonable members of society.”
Shelly from DeKalb: “No, not for several weeks until I can see if the number of cases increases after more people start going out.”
Gina from Geneva: “Nope, studies show how easily it spreads in restaurants.”
Haircuts
From our snapshot, respondents were a little more comfortable getting a haircut than going to a restaurant or bar, with 60% of those who responded said they were planning on getting a haircut, while 40% said they had no plans for a haircut.
Comments from respondents included:
Christy from Joliet: “Yes I think if I can shop with 100 people I can let one cut my hair.”
Sandra from Crystal Lake: “Yes!!! I’m not worried at all. The person that cuts my hair has a one chair studio.”
Gina from Ottawa: “No, I am not going to get a haircut or give a haircut. I own a small business in my home and am not opening right now. I do not feel it’s safe to be in such close proximity, especially for a period of time as in to get/give a haircut. I am finding it hard to understand how if social distancing is suggested and even could be dangerous then, that hairdressers and barbers be in phase 3 and opening now.”
Gatherings of 10 or fewer people
From our snapshot, respondents were most likely to see family and friends as compared to going to a restaurant or get a haircut. Almost 70% of respondents planned on seeing friends or family, with the majority of that group saying they would observe social distancing and/or wear a mask.
Steph from Genoa: “I will, but everyone will be required to follow mask and social distancing protocol, and we will meet outside. I think 10 is stretching it, especially with the radius that this virus can travel. It has an N value (infection value) of greater than 1 still, so that means for every ten people, if one gets infected you are looking at 2-3 others, plus family, being infected. Not worth it.”
Jennifer from Aurora: “Yes. Already have been seeing family in small groups. Will continue to do so until larger groups are safer.”
Amanda from Maple Park: “After so much time with just us, more than 10 people would be crazy overstimulation. I’m looking forward to meeting with just one other family at a time.”
We’re still taking responses and will do an update if we get enough. You can submit your responses here: http://shawurl.com/2020survey
