Is Highland reopening yet or not? Mayor Joe Michaelis answers that question.

Highland is the only city in the county to publicly support the Madison County Board’s resolution to reopen businesses in defiance of the state’s orders last week — but that doesn’t mean Highland is reopening.

As of press time Monday, city leaders in Edwardsville, Troy, Collinsville, East Alton, Maryville and Alton had issued statements they intend to abide by Gov. JB Pritzker’s order to continue restrictions on businesses for at least the rest of May, despite the county board’s vote calling for a 25 percent reopening right away.

The city of Highland posted a statement on its website saying it agrees “100 percent” with the county board’s resolution.

“Even before this resolution, we have been working with our local businesses on plans to reopen, taking into account the safety of both the employees and patrons, and we will continue to do so,” the statement read.

However, it also acknowledges the county resolution does not cover businesses’ liability or licensing issues that may result from violating the state orders.

Mayor Joe Michaelis clarified, although city leaders support the Madison County schedule, it does not mean Highland can open for business.

“We all agree we want to get open as quickly as possible but we’ve got to do it with extreme safety,” he said. “The people at the state level are in charge of this ... It doesn’t mean that we can open, because the governor has to sign off on this.”

Michaelis said he believed the county board’s action was a better plan than each individual municipality writing to the governor separately to urge a different reopening schedule. However, he said, the ultimate decision is with the governor.

“I will not deviate from the governor’s orders,” Michaelis said. “That would be very detrimental for the community as a whole ... I know businesses are scared, I know citizens are scared.

“When we have a temperament of fear, it’s dangerous, because we do and say things that are not productive.”

Monday’s city council meeting will still being held via conference call, as it has since the pandemic restrictions began, Michaelis said.

Hipskind agrees with statement of support

At least one council member indicated he agreed with the statement posted on the city’s website. Councilman John Hipskind said he fully supports the county board in its resolution and believes Madison County can begin to safely reopen.

“This vote is a first and necessary step in a return to normalcy,” he said. “The vote is an acknowledgment that Illinois is not a one-size-fits-all state and that the rules established in Chicago and Springfield do not always make sense for Highland and the rest of Madison County.”

Hipskind said he believes Highland businesses will be able to practice proper social distancing protocols and will use face masks and other protective measures.

“The financial impact that this virus has had on our small businesses has reached a breaking point,” Hipskind said. “If businesses are safe and smart, it is time for them to begin the reopening process.”

At the same time, Hipskind said, residents need to remember to practice safe habits like wearing a mask in public, washing their hands and social distancing.

The other council members could not be reached by press time.

General information on Madison County plan

In part, the Madison County reopening plan would allow retail and restaurant businesses to reopen right away at 25 percent occupancy and personal care providers such as hairstylists to resume work by appointment, while the state requires them to wait until the rate of infection slows down. The state requirements are regional; Madison County is part of region 4, which also includes St. Clair, Monroe, Clinton, Bond, Washington and Randolph counties.

Gov. Pritzker warned after the Madison County vote state and federal funding could be withheld from local governments defying the state order, and businesses could jeopardize their licensing if they open in violation of the order. At press time, most surveyed businesses in the Madison County area indicated they intended to follow the state plan.

Michaelis said he wanted the small business owners of Highland to know “we have their backs,” and offered the resources of City Hall to help them make their decisions. However, he also warned them to consult their insurance companies or attorneys when considering reopening.

“You may not have insurance if you go against what the governor mandates,” Michaelis said.