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Some may recall from an earlier report that Freeport Alderman Eric Borneman was the sole vote against having Halloween trick or treating in the City of Freeport. He made his feelings on the matter very clear as he told the rest of the Council, “This just seems like a really bad idea.” Borneman took another opportunity to address the Council this week, using his time at the end of the meeting to share his thoughts on businesses following mitigation guidelines.

“I am sympathetic to business owners and I understand their plight, but I would urge the public in general to keep in mind that the businesses that are following the rules are losing out on business. They are following the rules, and businesses that stay open are kind of benefiting. It’s unfair, so I hope that the businesses that are remaining open reconsider their decisions and I also hope that these issues are brought before the liquor commission.”-Eric Borneman

The community is clearly split on this. Some believe the guidelines must be followed in order to slow the spread of the deadly virus, and they have vowed not to patronize businesses that refuse. Others believe Governor Pritzker is overreaching and applaud those who choose not to follow his lead. We wanted to know where community and county leaders stand on this, and so we asked them. Unfortunately as of press time, most members of city council and county board have not responded to our request for comment, aside from County Board member Andy Schroeder who replied, “I do not have any comments at this time but I may make some comments about this topic in the near future.”

There are many in our community who feel the way Mr. Borneman feels, especially given the recent news that our local Culvers and Garden Deli restaurants will be closed temporarily due to positive cases at each of them. We reached out to the owners of both establishments for comment. As of press time we have not been able to reach the owner of Culver’s. However we did hear back from the owner of Garden Deli, who unfortunately informed us that she herself has tested positive for Covid-19, and may be up for speaking with us in a few days when she feels better. She also posted the news on the Garden Deli Facebook page which has accumulated 295 reactions and 93 ‘shares’ along with 98 comments of well wishes from loyal customers. 

We hope to hear from more city and county leaders about this issue in the near future. We at The Voice of Freeport will of course continue to follow the Covid-19 situation in and around our community and will be sure to bring you any updates.

Region 1 businesses are being asked to follow new guidelines to help mitigate the resurgence of Covid-19 in the area. Some businesses have pledged to follow the guidelines, while others have chosen not to. For the most part the businesses that chose to set aside new mitigation efforts are doing so because it is their belief that their businesses will be irreparably damaged if they follow the guidelines set forth by the state. Below are the mitigation guidelines for Region 1, which includes Stephenson County.

Bars

  • All bars close at 11pm and may reopen no earlier than 6am the following day
  • No indoor service
  • All bar patrons should be seated at tables outside
  • No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed)
  • Tables should be 6 feet apart
  • No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
  • No dancing or standing indoors
  • Reservations required for each party
  • No seating of multiple parties at one table

Restaurants

  • All restaurants close at 11pm and may reopen no earlier than 6am the following day
  • No indoor dining or bar service
  • Tables should be 6 feet apart
  • No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
  • Reservations required for each party
  • No seating of multiple parties at one table

Meetings, social events and gatherings (including weddings,funerals, potlucks, etc.)

  • Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25% of overall room capacity both indoors and outdoors
  • No party buses
  • Gaming and Casinos close at 11:00pm, are limited to 25 percent capacity, and follow mitigations for bars and restaurants, if applicable

Organized group recreational activities (fitness centers, sports, etc.

  • No change
  • All Sports Guidance effective August 15, 2020, remains in effect
  • Outdoor Activities (not included in the above exposure settings) continue percurrent DCEO guidance

Nick Nunez is the City Hall Correspondent for The Voice of Freeport and his porch light will be off on Halloween.