SE Illinois News

Illinois state House candidate Dr. Paul Jacobs (R-Carbondale) has had enough of what he sees as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s abuse.

“This is an overreach by the governor,” Jacobs told the SE Illinois News of Pritzker’s decision to extend his statewide stay-at-home order through the end of May. “He has had his 30 days. It is now up to the state legislators to step up, look at the New York City statistics and begin the reopening of the state.”

Jacobs argues since Pritzker moved to enact policy that forced small businesses all over the state to shutter has led to countless individuals being made to needlessly suffer.

“There is little risk to the young as far as risk of dying,” he said. “We are also preventing herd immunity by isolation. Quarantine is supposed to be for the sick or vulnerable, not the healthy. We are now at the point that spousal abuse, child molestation and suicide will peak.”

Beyond that, Jacobs argues more is now known about the disease than when it first emerged, giving state governments more of a chance of keeping the virus under control.

“We have data that shows clearly COVID is not the monster that we once thought it was,” he said. “Yes, there will be deaths, however our ICU beds have been more than sufficient to handle our needs. You hear: 'If we save one life, it’s worth it.' I question that when we lose a destitute business owner to suicide. We know the risk groups; isolate our elderly with underlying medical conditions. We don’t know the business owner at risk.”

Finally, Jacobs warns the state may never be the same if the governor isn’t willing to take a stand now.

“Small businesses without deep pockets are at risk of never reopening,” he said. “The only thing we should do is reopen with restrictions.”

Jacobs is an optometrist.