Macon Reporter

City governments throughout the state of Illinois feel the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic could be far more effective if officials in Springfield communicated better and acted as a better partner.

The Illinois Municipal League called out the state government in a press release, as it looks toward a collaborative effort in dealing with the pandemic as cases rise. That would include clearer guidelines to enforcing state mandates.

The league said most of the municipalities are limited in their response in enforcing mitigation standards set at the state level. Home-rule communities have more enforcement capability than non-home rule. The press release reported local health departments or state police have taken on most of the enforcement and even then there is little follow-up.

The covid pandemic has left mayors throughout Illinois frustrated in enforcing mitigation due to a lack of communication from the state capital | Pixabay

"Since April, mayors across Illinois have repeatedly asked to be included in the process of developing mitigations and enforcement measures. A lack of communication from the state as well as little support in enforcing mitigation measures has frustrated mayors who are seeking to protect their communities but have been met with resistance," the Illinois Municipal League press release reported.