PLAINFIELD, IL — A slight majority of people who responded to a poll for Plainfield Patch readers said they were not comfortable dining out as the state entered Phase 4 of the governor’s Restore Illinois reopening plan amid the pandemic.

Almost 48 percent said they did not want to partake in dining out — whether inside or outside. About 30 percent were comfortable with outdoor dining only, and almost 20 percent said they were OK either way.

At the same time, more than 78 percent of the respondents said they are not ready for indoor entertainment such as a film or theater performance. Some Plainfield Patch readers expressed concern about Illinois opening back up as coronavirus infection rates increase in other states.

“Stay in Stage 3 mode until we see a dramatic drop in cases and deaths,” one reader said.

“I fully support the shutdown of nonessential business to help limit contact and the risk of spreading the virus. As the owner of two retail businesses, the shutdown hurt us financially, but it is necessary,” another commented. “I think we have reopened too much too quickly. I am disappointed that the governor has rushed us into Phase 4, putting the economy over lives. People are so eager to get back to normal that they are acting as if this killer virus is gone and there’s nothing more to worry about.”

When the state moved to Phase 4 on June 26, several eateries in the village had reopened their indoor dining rooms. However, noticing reluctance on their customers’ part and in order to keep everyone safe, some popular spots such as Backroads Pub and Grill and Aurelio’s Pizza decided to shut theirs once again.

Some restaurants such as Sovereign and Werk Force Brewing that had continued being open, also had to temporarily shutter as their employees tested positive for COVID-19.

“Pritzker and Lightfoot and their teams, have provided excellent leadership and guidance through the pandemic thus far. However, at times, it seems the Governor has caved a bit to certain parties in the re-opening phase,” one survey respondent said. “Maintain vigilance, consistency, communication, and transparency re all aspects of the re-opening process. Do not ‘cave in’ to certain groups if not in the best interest of public health.”