SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — Southern Illinois legislators have been asking the governor to look at regionalized re-opening as the state and the world continue dealing with the novel coronavirus.

State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) says Southern Illinois residents have worked hard to mitigate the effects of the virus, and it may be time to re-open certain parts of the state.

Windhorst is pleased to see some restrictions lifting as of May 1, such as some state parks reopening, and greenhouses, garden centers, and nurseries being reclassified as essential businesses and being allowed to reopen.