Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association President Michael Jacobson fears Gov. J.B. Pritzker's actions may be causing irreparable harm to the state economy.
Even as other states are starting to reopen from their COVID doldrums, Jacobson said Pritzker continues to be unclear about Illinois’ direction.
“As of right now, there's nothing between Phase 4 where we’re limited to events of 50 people, to Phase 5 where everything goes back to 100 percent capacity and goes back to normal,” Jacobson told The Center Square.
When recently asked about when the state may move into Phase 5 of his reopening plan, the governor was noncommittal. When he unveiled his plan roughly a year ago, Pritzker said the state would be clear to move into Phase 5 with no restrictions when a vaccine or a therapeutic is widely available.
There are now three known vaccinations for the virus and Pritzker recently held a press conference to herald the opening of several mass vaccination sites across the state.
Jacobson said the uncertainty makes it harder for Illinois businesses to compete with those from other states for big-ticket events like conventions.
“These meeting planners need months of preparations and the fact that we’re not getting clarity right now is putting business at risk in August and September and even later into 2021 and 2022,” he added.
Alerts Sign-up