Bloomington and Normal differ in strategies to boost stay-at-home compliance

Posted on April 7, 2020
Koos and Renner
Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner (left) and Normal Mayor Chris Koos (right). (WJBC file photo)

 

By HOI ABC

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s city government is employing a different strategy than neighboring Normal by urging rather than forcing compliance with Gov. JB Pritzker’s Stay-At-Home order.

Unlike Normal, City Spokesperson Nora Dukowitz said Monday night that Blooomington Mayor Tari Renner will sign a proclamation “reaffirming” Pritzker’s order limiting gatherings of 10 or more people, according to our news partner Heart of Illinois ABC.

“We’ve had the ability to disperse crowds, and will continue to do so,” Durkowitz said in an email.

Last weekend, Normal Mayor Chris Koos signed an emergency order allowing police officers to issue tickets or seek criminal charges for violations.

Normal’s emergency order stated that the failure to follow the requirements of the governor’s Stay-At-Home order endangers the health and safety of the community.

Normal’s order also authorizes town staff to “educate and redirect” violators to gain “voluntary” compliance.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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