Did Illinois get it right?

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Fortune Magazine is spotlighting Illinois as one of seven states they say did it right when it comes to reopening.

“You did it,“ said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, signaling to many that Illinois is tackling COVID-19 in a manner that could lead us back to normalcy.

“Illinois is being touted across the country as getting it right,” said Dr. Ezike.

Dr. Ezike hopes the decline in new COVID-19 cases affirms the importance of continuing social distancing and hand washing.

COVID-19 deaths are down 60% from their highest rates six weeks ago, and new case numbers are down 76% from seven weeks ago, according to Governor JB Pritzker, D-Illinois.

“Illinois has seen a dramatic decline in the spread of the disease and that puts us in a good position today, especially when compared to what’s happening right now and what's unfolding on an hourly basis in places like Florida, Texas, and Arizona, “ said Senator Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, agreeing that Illinois is right on track due to heavy restrictions early on in the pandemic.

Some lawmakers think central Illinois was already ready for re-opening.

“Based on the data it's not too soon for us to move into Phase 4 the data suggest we should’ve moved into phase 4 weeks ago and as far as what people should be doing right now they should continue to wash their hands continue to social distance,” said Senator Steve McClure, R-Springfield.

Pritzker also stated that he is willing to make changes along the way if we start to see an influx in hospitalizations and new cases and move Illinois back to an earlier phase.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike stresses this pandemic isn't over telling the public that COVID-19 is something we all will have to live with until an approved vaccine or highly effective treatment comes along.