File photo
File photo
Government officials visiting a drive-thru COVID-19 testing facility at a Walgreens in Springfield praised what they said is greater opportunity to test for the virus and return to a more normal footing.
“Constituents that I represent want to get the state back open,” Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) told the State Journal-Register. LaHood, whose 18th Congressional District includes part of Springfield, said there has to be a balance.
“We have to listen to health care professionals, but downstate Illinois is not the same as Chicago,” he said.
Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) and LaHood told reporters they hope restrictions on business and other activities in Illinois can be lifted regionally by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Lawmakers praised the increasing availability of testing for the coronavirus as they toured a local Walgreens drive-thru site set up at what had been a closed store in the chain. The drive-thru facility can test 200 people a day. Those wishing to be tested have to meet certain criteria, including having coronavirus symptoms.
Davis expressed appreciation for Walgreens and its staff.
“It’s an example of how the private sector is partnering with the public sector to really provide opportunities for tests,” he said.
Also visiting the Walgreens site were state Reps. Mike Murphy and Tim Butler.
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