State Representative Tom Bennett/Photo courtesy of Representative Bennett’s office

By Neil Doyle

State Rep. Tom Bennett is adding his voice to a growing number that encourage restraint in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s asking the community to not hoard items and only buy what you need.

“Many of our local stores are reminding people to only by what they need,” Bennett said. “Our supply chain is in good shape and some restrictions on trucks have been temporarily waved to ensure that goods make it to store shelves to be restocked.”

Bennett says while restaurants and bars are closed for dine-in service for the rest of the month, many are still offering drive-thru, delivery, and curbside pickup options.

Bennett’s comments come as state health officials are reporting 128 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois, bringing the state total to 288.

Two new counties are reporting cases – Kendall and Madison, bringing the total to 17 counties with confirmed cases. There are still no confirmed cases in Livingston County.

Data from the IDPH shows 2,052 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Illinois.

An additional 20 individuals at the long-term care facility in DuPage County experiencing an outbreak have tested positive, bringing the total to 42 (30 residents and 12 staff).

State officials say following the much-discussed basic guidelines will help protect you from infection. Those include:

Staying home as much as possible

If gatherings are necessary, limiting the number of people to 10

Calling to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting