From lawmakers to citizens, many are clamoring for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to think about and take action on a regional opening of the State of Illinois.

Monday afternoon during the Governor's daily press briefing, he laid out his reasons why he will not take such action until the science tells him otherwise. Governor Pritzker says this is not just a Chicago issue and that is not how coronavirus works.

In terms of coronavirus deaths in Illinois, the Governor says you are more likely to die of coronavirus in Jasper and Monroe Counties than you are in Chicago. He feels the discussion should not be just about total cases and total fatalities.

Governor Pritzker points out he has opened up areas of the state with low infection rates to resume elective surgeries and outdoor recreation.

Governor Pritzker says he is eager to get everyone to work and school as soon as it is safe. He says the decisions are not easy as they are between saving lives versus saving livelihoods. He feels the diligence of Illinois residents is saving thousands of lives. He adds he will continue to follow the science.